minnesotadruids

[minnesotadruids]

@deckdancer and I were conversing this evening, and he had this question about mass farming practices. My response ended up being a little lengthier than I anticipated, but I was also trying to be concise (which is hard for John the Verbose, lol)

I've been having a lot of thoughts about plants and mass farming practices tonight, and while I know horticulture isn't exactly your specialty, I wanted to hear your thoughts on the disconnect between the symbiosis of nature vs the mass farming practices we use today, and their effects on us today as a society?

One thing I've noticed over the last 10 years is how stressed the corn fields look when we've had year after year of drought conditions. The leaves curl along the edges and look like dessicated spears. Corn is a huge water hog, and an inefficient hog at that. Most of the water is ultimately lost to evapotranspiration meaning the water table doesn't even recharge at all from irrigation.

So much of that corn goes to ethanol plants and livestock feed, so it still has a high demand, but many of the crops just die or are stunted before they can be used. Before irrigation technology was widespread, places like Minnesota grew more wheat. Minneapolis was (and still is) where so many big flour mills are, but now the wheat grain comes in from the high plains. Wheat is what we should be growing for our climate already, but corn became popular because of irrigation. Wheat uses much less water, and some cultivars can be harvested twice a year.

Factory farming of corn has changed noticeably in my own lifetime. I remember the rows used to be a bit farther apart. You could run between the rows and pretend to be the "children of the corn." My dad said he could remember when he was younger there were much wider gaps in the rows of cornfields. We've bred them for higher yield and to be planted closer together that both of those factors mean they need much more water than they used to. Some farmers plant rows so close together you almost can't walk between them now.

A lack of diversification is also a problem as well. The past three years have been really bad for corn, but for many farmers, it's their cash crop. Soy beans have become a novelty... alfalfa a rarity... and I'm shocked if I ever see any wheat at all. Monoculture crops (even beyond grains) are begging for any one-off minor catastrophe to jeopardize the whole crop. If a plant disease or infestation pops up, it will spread much faster than if we had varied crops, and of course it would have a more detrimental effect if that one monoculture crop gets destroyed. Palm oil farming is another example of a fragile monoculture.

Diversification is easier said than done though. You can't use a single type of harvester machine for all crop types. The Cherokee would plant things together: Corn, pumpkins/squash, and vine beans. They understood for generations that those "Three Sisters" thrived better together than by themselves. The beanstalks would climb the corn, the beans would put nitrogen and nutrients back in the soil, and the squash/pumpkins would reduce evaporation from the soil. The large gourd leaves would reduce the amount of sunlight on the ground, inhibiting weed growth. All that today would still require harvesting by hand, and unfortunately it is considered too unprofitable. It would be suitable for people with gardens, self-sufficient homesteads, or small-scale farms (and we gotta WANT to get into that, too).

The big problem is (I think) that first we would need a large-scale, multifaceted cultural shift. Ethanol as biofuel is not as sustainable as the industry wants us to believe. As much as I love beef, we gotta reduce our consumption of large livestock. Cattle need a lot of corn and a lot of water. Other farm animals are more efficient in terms of resources required per pound of meat. That's a statement that sounds great for reducing corn and water usage, but other monoculture crops have their own unique pros and cons.

#permaculture #monoculture #sustainability #ecology #horticulture #symbiosis

[minnesotadruids]

Good afternoon, C.O.R.D. Biquarterly druidry newsletter readers!

At this time we are kindly requesting any multimedia content for our upcoming Oimelc issue that you have the rights or permission to share (exception for YouTube videos of druidic interest).

Oimelc is crafting season! What do you craft?

Experiencing any photogenic weather extremes this El Niño?

Devotee of Brigid? We'd love to hear about it!

Kind reminder you need to use the linked submission forms

Whether it's news of your Grove/Protogrove/solo practice, your poetry, seasonal photography, seasonal recipes, personal milestones, relevant product or book reviews, musings, meditations, devotionals, divinations, etc, we encourage you to share it in the next newsletter if you feel so inclined! Got an Etsy storefront for metaphysical supplies you provide? We even have some free promo space in the newsletter just for that. Please ensure that all content is "PG-13" or tamer.

The "liveline" (because deadline sounds so un-reformed!) is roughly: One week from the timestamp of this post (this time next Wednesday)

#pagan #paganism #witchblr #druidblr #druidry #reformed #druids #RDNA #Imbolc #Oimelc

[minnesotadruids]

Greetings, "C.OR.D. Biquarterly" Druidry newsletter readers, the Midwinter Solstice issue is now live!

Highlights in this issue:

New protogrove in Wisconsin

When the Morrigan calls to an Atheist

Update on a Druid Training Program for Reformed Druids

#druidry #pagan #paganism #druid #druidism #druids #rdna #reformed #midwinter #solstice #yule

[minnesotadruids]

The Order of Bradán Feasa (OBF)

Unit One of an RDNA Druid training program is finally in its first draft! I started writing this in 2020, and wrote a majority of it (114 pages) that year because I wanted to have created something before the feared perception of probably contracting Covid and dying therefrom. Then once I was vaccinated, I got complacent and set the draft aside, coming back to it perhaps once a month, re-reading and revising, not really adding any new content.

In an attempt to push forward with my list of proposed topics, I started to realize I was not qualified to create content for many of them, and that I needed to do a lot more reading and learning for my own sake before continuing. Thus 2021, 2022, and much of 2023 were dedicated to reading my stack of purchased but unread books, annotating, highlighting, and cross-referencing for veracity.

I still have a lot of reading and learning ahead of me, but much of that will align with Unit Three, which hasn't been started yet. Unit Two has actually been in a draft form since 2017, and there will be an exam to go with it. This will probably be the first modern Druid training program with an exam, and it will require a 90% score or higher to pass.

What is the OBF?

The Order of Bradán Feasa is a non-clerical side order made for the Reformed Druids of North America. The name means the "Salmon of Knowledge" in Irish Gaelic, and is a reference to the myth of Finn McCool gaining all the world's knowledge when he burns himself while cooking the salmon. Any person who completes Units One and Two will be inducted to OBF and given a digital certificate indicating completion of said training program. Units One and Two would be considered sufficient training for in-person candidates to be invited to Second Order initiation in the RDNA. The optional Unit Three is the RDNA Clergy Prep Course and Grove Governance Guide (GGG), and would be considered prerequisite to ordination to the Third Order: the RDNA priesthood, in addition to existing customary requirements such as the supervised All-Night Vigil.

Completing the First Draft

While some people write novels during November for N.A.N.O.M.I.R.O. or whatever, I was suddenly inspired to get Unit One done. Over the month of November I wrote 55 new pages and revised existing content again. No, that's no novel, but writing something of (hopefully) academic quality with APA citations is a bit more meticulous, especially with this being my first "college level" type of project in about 16 years.

Members of Oakdale Grove are in the process of reviewing and annotating the first draft already. I find it easier to spot needed revisions or typos when something is in print, plus I love writing directly on drafts with an ink pen because I'm an older millennial (roars in dinosaur, lol). And I get to review and mark it up for editing with a bit of a Dark Academia aesthetic. I'm a bit shocked that Unit 1 is 169 pages, and likely to grow. We've already identified some sections that don't exist yet that need to be here. Unit 2 is much smaller. I expect Unit 3 to be smaller, as well.

The goal is for Unit 1 to go live before Beltane 2024, for Unit 2 to go live by the Autumnal Equinox of 2024, and for Unit 3 to go live by the end of 2024. That last one has the greatest uncertainty though, because I still have two important books to read, and possibly more that I haven't found yet.

See also: OBF Program Syllabus

#druidry #pagan #paganism #druid #druidism #druids #rdna #reformed #initiation #training #OBF #Order of Bradan Feasa #Salmon of Knowledge

[minnesotadruids]

Blessed Samhain! The latest issue of "C.O.R.D. Biquarterly" newsletter is live! Featuring:

Massive turnout at Carleton's 60th anniversary Samhain ritual

Book review of Dr. Larisa White's "World Druidry"

New podcast out there "Druid Dad"

The dark prophecy that nearly destroyed druidism

#samhain #druidry #druid #druidism #reformed #druids #RDNA #pagan #paganism #ritual #divination

[minnesotadruids]

It's That Time Again!

At this time we are kindly requesting any multimedia content for our upcoming Samhain newsletter issue of C.O.R.D. Biquarterly that you have the rights or permission to share (exception for YouTube videos of druidic interest). Kind reminder you need to use the submission forms at https://oakdalegrove.org/files/cord/cord.html

Whether it's news of your Grove/Protogrove/solo practice, your poetry, seasonal photography, seasonal recipes, personal milestones, relevant product or book reviews, musings, meditations, devotionals, divinations, etc, we encourage you to share it in the next newsletter if you feel so inclined! Got an Etsy storefront for metaphysical supplies you provide? We even have some free promo space in the newsletter just for that. Please ensure that all content is "PG-13" or tamer.

The "liveline" (because deadline sounds so un-reformed!) is roughly: one week from today. The newsletter will be sent out on November 1. Thanks, and we'll get back to you soon in the upcoming issue!

#druidry #pagan #paganism #druid #druidism #druids #rdna #reformed #druidic

[minnesotadruids]

Volume 4 Issue 1 of Connexus Of Reformed Druids (C.O.R.D.) Biquarterly druidry newsletter is now live!

In this issue:

New featured opening article series for this volume

A Grove's 10 year anniversary

Poetry

Is the RDNA's Second Order a level of the priesthood?

#druidry #druid #druidism #druidic #Reformed #Druids #RDNA #pagan #paganism #mabon #autumnal equinox #initiation

[minnesotadruids]

The latest issue of C.OR.D. Biquarterly is now live for the Midsummer Solstice!

In this issue: 

News of the Groves: Tucson, Oakdale, and Starved Rock (New!)

News of the 60th anniversary Midsummer gathering

Romano-Celtic Gardening

Seasonal Photography

#druidism #druid #druidry #paganism #pagan #druidblr #rdna #druids #reformed #RDNA #midsummer #solstice #litha

[minnesotadruids]

You guys seem so cool, wish there was something like this on the west coast

Usually the formula tends to be that if there are nearby Groves, they're just a little too far out of reach. However there's still a chance that one of these just might be close by. There are RDNA & NRDNA Groves in:

Seattle, Washington

Medford area, Oregon (a Protogrove)

Sacramento, California

Vacaville area, California

Canyon, California

Hayward, California

A full list of RDNA, NRDNA, and MOCC Groves & Protogroves can be viewed at this website. This list is updated roughly annually and all times in between when updates are requested. If those are all still too far away, there's always the option to create a Protogrove, and let your local druids come to you...

#druidry #pagan #paganism #druid #druidism #druids #rdna #druidblr #where #grove #near me

[minnesotadruids]

Greetings, everyone! The latest issue of C.O.R.D. Biquarterly druidry newsletter is now live! 

In this issue:

News from the RDNA’s 60th anniversary Beltane gathering at Carleton College

Info for the 60th anniversary Midsummer gathering at Carleton on June 17 including a schedule and campus map

Overview of druid pilgrimage sites in the Upper Arboretum at Carleton

If you want to attend the 60th anniversary Midsummer Solstice gathering of the Reformed Druids, that will be at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota on June 17 from noon to 2 PM! You do not need to be on the path of druidry to attend, and we will also be offering First Order initiations at the ceremony.

#druidry #druidism #druidblr #witchblr #reformed #druids #RDNA #pagan #paganism #Beltane #Midsummer #Litha #initiation #rite of passage #Rituals #esoteric #esoterica #solstice

[minnesotadruids]

Twenty two attendees (including 12 members of the Council of Dalon Ap Landu) at the rainy 60th anniversary celebration of the Reformed Druids of North America! (The 50th anniversary had 17 people trudging out here in the snow ten years ago!)

#druidry #pagan #paganism #druid #druidism #ritual #minnesota #druids #rdna #druidblr

[minnesotadruids]

what do you do for beltane?

In regard to my personal practice, I took the opportunity today to get out of the house and into nature. Bears have been sighted in a nearby nature preserve, and the Nature Center staff are asking for anyone who sees the bears to maintain a safe distance, but to inform the staff where the bears were sighted, as they are very curious about knowing where the bears are going. I'm guessing that means none of them have DNR tracking collars at this time. The day started off sunny but was blustery, chilly, and sprinkling off and on once I was off work. I did not see the bear(s) today though.

I'm much more of a group practitioner when it comes to the Wheel of the Year high days, and this coming weekend is the 60th anniversary gathering of the Reformed Druids of North America at Carleton College. Members of eight druid Groves, plus solo druids and anyone who is curious will be in attendance. There are already a handful of initiations planned for those who wish to become members, and other rites of passage among some who have been preparing for certain levels of the RDNA priesthood. This is a very special occasion.

In the group rituals, my Grove uses a hybridized script of the original Reformed Druids and a "universalized" version of a more neopagan rendition that is more elaborate. The later neopagan scripts were a lot more Wiccan flavored and required a lot of memorization on the attendee's part or a lot more group chanting by everyone. Personally when I've been to other rituals with group chanting, everyone sounds either bored, or like the Borg, and it all harkens back to Catholics reciting the Apostles' Creed at mass. So in my rituals I chuck out the group chants, and individual Grove members are willing to recite the parts.

The RDNA rituals are very well balanced. It starts with four blasts from my carnyx, a ceremonial horn (which was used as a Celtic war horn two millennia ago), an opening statement followed by a meditation of humility before the divine. Following that are any bardic offerings: poetry, song, performing arts (if applicable), followed by plant based offerings to the ritual fire, or to the Earth in the absence of fire. The priest seeks an omen on the element of air (augury or aeromancy) and then the Waters-of-Life are consecrated and shared with those present. We used to share from a common chalice, but since the pandemic we ask attendees to bring their own ceremonial cup, and they are served from a consecrated pitcher.

Any applicable rites of passage follow the partaking of the Waters, and a libation is returned to the Earth-Mother. Final meditations are shared, ending with a moment of silent meditation to take in Nature through all our senses (perhaps not so much tasting nature though). The rite concludes, and a casual discussion begins while we clean up the site. I have this solo ritual video from Beltane of 2020, when I didn't want my Grove members meeting together or risking getting sick for the sake of druidry.

#beltane #reformed #druids #RDNA #Druidry #pagan #paganism #ritual #practice

[minnesotadruids]

Heyo! The Beltane issue of the C.O.R.D. Biquarterly druidry newsletter is now live! In this issue:

Meditations on the past two seasons at Carleton Grove

Book review of Greer's "The Druid Path"

The Druid Sigil has been appropriated by Neo-Nazis.

Multimedia

News for the upcoming 60th anniversary gathering this weekend!

#druidry #druidism #druidic #reformed #druids #RDNA #druidblr #pagan #paganism #beltane #witchblr

[minnesotadruids]

The C.O.R.D. Biquarterly druidry newsletter is now accepting reader-submitted contributions over the next week for the Beltane issue 3.6 live on May 1.

There will also be a special edition 3.6.1 shortly after the weekend ending May 7 recapping the upcoming anniversary gathering, plus any late contributions (including news of YOUR Beltanes, because ANYONE can celebrate this milestone, each in their own way). The Reformed Druids have always been inclusive!

Share what you do for Earth Day

Share what you do for Arbor Day

Share what you do for Beltane

Share seasonal poetry you created

Share seasonal photos you took

Share devotionals

Share your thoughts on A.I. Reformed Druids

Share your arts and crafts

Promote your druidry, witchy, or pagan-oriented Etsy (etc) store

Anything PG-13 or tamer you have the rights or permission to share!

Check out back issues of Connexus of Reformed Druids Biquarterly here!

#Earth Day #Arbor Day #Beltane #pagan #paganism #witchblr #druidblr #druid #druidry #druidism #druidic #Reformed #Druids #RDNA #C.O.R.D. #newsletter #devotionals #A.I. #witchy #witchcraft #druidcraft #inclusive #inclusion

[minnesotadruids]

“Sucellos, accept our sacrifice!”

This clip was the highlight of our April Fool’s Day druid ritual, in which we sacrificed Mel the melon to Sucellos, a Gaulish mallet-wielding deity. Selected freeze-frames:

#pagan #ritual #druid #druidry #druids #druidism #mallet #sacrifice #gallagher #watermelon #melon #april fool's day

[minnesotadruids]

Happy Belated MWFYDNFUD! Here is the latest (satirical) special edition of C.O.R.D. Biquarterly druidry newsletter.

In this issue:

News from the College of Saint Guinefort, Serpent Grove, on "naturally occuring cheeses"

News from Oakdale Grove forming a new branch of RDNA

Scathing book review of "Meditate"

C.O.R.D. BQ wins award!

A.I. Reformed Druids? (a serious discussion, feedback requested)

Ritual to Sucellos, Gallagher style

#druid #druids #druidry #rdna #reformed #druidism #parody #satire #pagan #pagans #paganism #april fool's #mwfydnfud #newsletter

[minnesotadruids]

Happy Vernal Equinox! 

Here is the latest issue of the C.O.R.D. Biquarterly druidry newsletter! In this issue: 

News from Paganicon 2023

Book Review: “The Circle of Life is Broken” by Brendan Myers 

Latest updates for the 60th Anniversary Gathering on Beltane 

BTW anyone and everyone is invited to the 60th anniversary event

And more!

And for the next week we are already requesting your whimsical, zany, off the wall, irreverent, or satirical contributions for our April Fool's Day special edition!

#druidry #druid #reformed #druids #druidism #druidic #RDNA #pagan #paganism #Paganicon #newsletter #druidblr #witchblr #paganblr #vernal #equinox #Ostara