June 1, 2024: When I read these virtues, I was reminded of the 7 Pillars that I still follow from the days that I was a Hellenic Pagan. Even though I'm leaning more to Norse Paganism than Hellenic, I still follow these Pillars. They are: Arete - Be your best self. Metriotes - Everything in Moderation. Hagneia - Avoid Miasma. Sophia - Pursuit of Wisdom. Sophrosune - Self Discipline. Xenia - Hospitality. Eusebeia - Revere and Be Loyal to the Gods. Wisdom " Good judgement, the ability to perceive people and situations correctly, deliberate about and decide on the correct response " (1). This virtue relates to Hagneia and Sophia: avoid miasma (spiritual pollution) and pursue wisdom. When it comes to a problem, avoid drama and fighting by listening and observing. Ask questions if you're able to. Formulate the best way to work through the issue, even if the answer is to be quiet and/or walk away. Sophrosune is also a good one for Wisdom. Self-Discipline is required ...

  Happy Equinox, Fall for the Northern Hemisphere and Spring for the Southern Hemisphere!  I just couldn't wait to do my ADF altar up for the new season.   The altar detail, left to right: An oak tree coloring page, container of cornmeal offerings, 9 Pagan Virtue study cards, Dollar Tree pumpkin, lavender cup, kuksa offering cup, and a lil' bottle of silver. Lavender Cup that represent The Well, a block of wood that represents The Tree,  Lil bottle of silver beads.  Garanus (Crane) Ada Spirit , Bee Inkwash Sticker by Vanessa Renee , an acorn a stranger gifted to me last year at the Ren Faire, Hestia ( Windstone Devotion ), a Dollar Tree ceramic pumpkin, an LED tealight to represent The Fire, and an oath ring. In the very front, not in picture is my Maple Wood Elen of the Woods Blade (Elen Blade for short) (hand carved by the Mind Body & Spirit owner's husband) Pumpkin, fox figurine, drinking horn, and my favorite river stone to represent The Mountain. ...

  Family Shrine September 1, 2024 It's September!  20 or so days until it's officially Fall.  I can feel the transitioning this weekend, as it's been very windy, with dying leaves blowing all over, and today the temps were nice.  A lovely day for a cookout on this Labor Day here in the US.  We have the windows all open, letting in the fresh air, and finally giving the A.C. a break.  Here's hoping the weather only get better from here...and not random swings of hell with a jump to winter temps.  I'd like to be able to enjoy fall weather this year. Pictured above is our Family Shrine.  A mix mash of entities, items, and things made by my kids for the Kindreds.  My kids have small satchels for their special spiritual items, such as a stone dog, stone whale, and a stone t-rex.  Let's take a quick look at what else there is, starting with the wall: A framed certificate from ADF stating that the Wren's Nest is an official hearth of the Mother ...