Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Follow my Progress as I work through an online course in Druidry

As a part of my personal development, and to assist in my research for an upcoming book, I'm taking an online course in Druidry through the Black Mountain Druid Order (BMDO). They run an online course which stretches for 12 months, and every week there are assignments which I will post here for you to follow. The BMDO website is a terrific resource, and free.

Sencha
Thanks very much to 'Sencha' (Chuck Hall) for his support and guidance!

A little background

When I abandoned the corporate world a few years ago, it was a difficult decision. Like most folks, I had grown accustomed to being able to buy whatever I wanted without even batting an eye. I could go on vacations whenever I wanted to, and I lived the American dream. Or did I?

What was really happening, was that I was caught up in the gears of a big machine with so much momentum, I didn't know how to stop it. Worse than being just along for the ride, I was a slave to those wages and that lifestyle. It was certainly a comfortable slavery, but slavery nonetheless. My spirit was shackled, my soul weighed down. I'm not saying this is the case for everyone, but it was for me.

These days I make a very modest living writing, supplemented by web design. I have never had so little money, nor have I ever felt so rich! For me, wealth is the abundance of time and good experiences I now have, in contrast to the meaningless acquisition of 'stuff'. I don't want to be poor, don't get me wrong (so buy my books!) I'm just happy that my priorities now reflect the spiritual life I want to lead, rather than living a life driven simply by acquisition.

One of the main goals I had when on embarking on this new path, was to research the spiritual ways and traditions of my ancestors, of which the Celts and the Druids were a part. Recently I decided to put together a book which highlights and compares the various neo-pagan traditions that have blossomed over the last 30 years. This is a project which will take me years to put together, and this is just one of the steps along the way. Druidry, or Druidism, is one of the paths I wanted to review in my book, and so I started to ask questions on a Facebook group where I met Sencha, and was guided to his website.

Week 1 Earth Path: Meaning of Awen

Awen’ is a Welsh word roughly translated as ‘divine inspiration.’ The word is Indo-European in origin and comes from the root ‘-uel,’ which means ‘to blow.’ In this sense, it could be seen to mean, ‘that which takes one’s breath away.’ In other words, the Awen is that which is awe-inspiring. 

1. What places in nature inspire you?

Almost always forests. I do appreciate a seaside locale as well, but our old mixed forests up here in Ontario are breathtaking. A beatific mix of trees, heady scents, and a sense of life. 

2. Do you have a favorite outdoor place?

The forest at Murphy's point provincial park is my favourite natural place in the world. It's bordered by Big Rideau lake, and has miles of isolated trails running through mixed forest and bordering the rocky shore of the lake. Naturally I buy an annual pass :)
Murphy's Point This Summer - A Hazy Rainy Day
3. What energies are in balance when you spend time outdoors in nature?

All my senses seem to be in harmony. My vision shifts from close to far and back again. My sense of smell and hearing are activated and cue off all the sensory input I'm normally deprived of while inside. It's like having muscle fatigue fromusing one isolated muscle group, then suddenly having your whole body to use...suddenly things become easier, natural.

4. When outdoors, do you notice any changes in your mental/emotional state?

The biggest change is an immediate balance of inputs. Indoors, all my inputs are from the computer and other unnatural sources, and I have to constantly process them, but in a non-instinctual way.

When outdoors, things immediate slow down, start coming into balance. There is likely more sensory input required for me to process, but it's data my body and soul was intended to process; the sounds of the birds, feel of the wind, and scents of the animals.

I left a fat six figure salary 3 years ago to bring my life into balance, and to start following a more natural path. Thankfully, I'm back on track, and with only 43 years under my belt, plenty of time to enjoy me newfound balance!

Monday, January 30, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 53

A small sea hasn't much sand,
similarly, men have small minds.
Not all men are equal,
but most are still small minded.



Read more of Eoghan Odinsson's Modernized Havamal in his new book.






Explore the Havamal - "Tao" of the Vikings


The Orient has long shared its ancient wisdom, and so now do the Northmen.

Northern Wisdom presents ancient Viking parables and knowledge in a delightfully accessible modern format.

Combining Teachings on par with Buddha, Sun-Tzu, Myamoto Musashi, Nicollo Machiavelli & Lao Tzu, The Havamal sheds light on forgotten lore of the dark ages.

In the days of the shield-wall, there yet lived poets, scribes and philosophers.

In Northern Wisdom you will:

  • Journey through the Mundane and the Mystical passages of the Havamal
  • Discover the famed Hospitality of the Northmen
  • Learn Maxims for respectable conduct
  • Develop the Leadership traits of Heroes
  • Explore tips for safe travel in Dark Ages Europe
  • Uncover lessons for the bravest Warriors
  • Share in the secrets of Odin's Love Quests
  • Tap into the power of Viking Magic


(Use Code: DLMW384R ) Valid for Any of his Books!
Read more about Eoghan and his other books at www.eoghanodinsson.com or click below to buy other books.







Coming Spring 2012!


Save 25%!
Use Code: DLMW384R

Friday, January 27, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 52

Gifts don't need to be lavish,
a small gesture can mean a lot.
Sharing a simple meal and a modest bottle of mead,
has cemented many a friendship.




Read more of Eoghan Odinsson's Modernized Havamal in his new book.




Explore the Havamal - "Tao" of the Vikings


The Orient has long shared its ancient wisdom, and so now do the Northmen.

Northern Wisdom presents ancient Viking parables and knowledge in a delightfully accessible modern format.

Combining Teachings on par with Buddha, Sun-Tzu, Myamoto Musashi, Nicollo Machiavelli & Lao Tzu, The Havamal sheds light on forgotten lore of the dark ages.

In the days of the shield-wall, there yet lived poets, scribes and philosophers.

In Northern Wisdom you will:
  • Journey through the Mundane and the Mystical passages of the Havamal
  • Discover the famed Hospitality of the Northmen
  • Learn Maxims for respectable conduct
  • Develop the Leadership traits of Heroes
  • Explore tips for safe travel in Dark Ages Europe
  • Uncover lessons for the bravest Warriors
  • Share in the secrets of Odin's Love Quests
  • Tap into the power of Viking Magic

(Use Code: DLMW384R ) Valid for Any of his Books!


Read more about Eoghan and his other books at www.eoghanodinsson.com or click below to buy other books.




Coming Spring 2012!

Save 25%!
Use Code: DLMW384R

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Free copies of "Northern Wisdom" & 4 Free Rune Fonts

Folks, to promote the launch of my new book I will be giving away 6 paperback copies and 20 digital copies of my new book "Northern Wisdom" to subscribers of my BLOG.

Fenruary 27'th is the official launch of the new book, and I will be selecting 26 random names from my subscribers to receive free copies of my book, so sign up! Tell your friends!

(folks who win a digital copy can choose between PDF, MOBI (for Kindle) and EPUB (for most other readers)

Also, be sure to check out 4 Free Original  Runes Fonts on my website. These are original fonts designed by me, and free for you to use.

Enjoy!

http://www.eoghanodinsson.com/free-downloads.html

Be sure to subscribe to my BLOG so you don't miss any future posts or freebies! Submit your e-mail in the box at the top right side of my BLOG.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 51

A false friendship can seem very intense in the beggining,
for perhaps a week things are wonderful,
but these relationships usually end very quickly.
By the second week there isnt much left,
and soon the friendship is sour.




Read more of Eoghan Odinsson's Modernized Havamal in his new book.




Explore the Havamal - "Tao" of the Vikings


The Orient has long shared its ancient wisdom, and so now do the Northmen.

Northern Wisdom presents ancient Viking parables and knowledge in a delightfully accessible modern format.

Combining Teachings on par with Buddha, Sun-Tzu, Myamoto Musashi, Nicollo Machiavelli & Lao Tzu, The Havamal sheds light on forgotten lore of the dark ages.

In the days of the shield-wall, there yet lived poets, scribes and philosophers.

In Northern Wisdom you will:
  • Journey through the Mundane and the Mystical passages of the Havamal
  • Discover the famed Hospitality of the Northmen
  • Learn Maxims for respectable conduct
  • Develop the Leadership traits of Heroes
  • Explore tips for safe travel in Dark Ages Europe
  • Uncover lessons for the bravest Warriors
  • Share in the secrets of Odin's Love Quests
  • Tap into the power of Viking Magic

(Use Code: DLMW384R ) Valid for Any of his Books!


Read more about Eoghan and his other books at www.eoghanodinsson.com or click below to buy other books.




Coming Spring 2012!

Save 25%!
Use Code: DLMW384R

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 50

Like a young fir tree standing alone on a dreary hill,
sheltered neither by bark, needles, or other trees.
That is what its like to be alone.
Without love and friendship, 

man has little reason to be.



Read more of Eoghan Odinsson's Modernized Havamal in his new book.




Explore the Havamal - "Tao" of the Vikings


The Orient has long shared its ancient wisdom, and so now do the Northmen.

Northern Wisdom presents ancient Viking parables and knowledge in a delightfully accessible modern format.

Combining Teachings on par with Buddha, Sun-Tzu, Myamoto Musashi, Nicollo Machiavelli & Lao Tzu, The Havamal sheds light on forgotten lore of the dark ages.

In the days of the shield-wall, there yet lived poets, scribes and philosophers.

In Northern Wisdom you will:
  • Journey through the Mundane and the Mystical passages of the Havamal
  • Discover the famed Hospitality of the Northmen
  • Learn Maxims for respectable conduct
  • Develop the Leadership traits of Heroes
  • Explore tips for safe travel in Dark Ages Europe
  • Uncover lessons for the bravest Warriors
  • Share in the secrets of Odin's Love Quests
  • Tap into the power of Viking Magic

(Use Code: DLMW384R ) Valid for Any of his Books!


Read more about Eoghan and his other books at www.eoghanodinsson.com or click below to buy other books.




Coming Spring 2012!

Save 25%!
Use Code: DLMW384R

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 49

I was walking near a field,
and I put my clothes on a pair of scarecrows.
These sticks now looked like men!
An amazing transformation with a few garments.
Men can seem more than they are,
once clothed.



Read more of Eoghan Odinsson's Modernized Havamal in his new book.




Explore the Havamal - "Tao" of the Vikings


The Orient has long shared its ancient wisdom, and so now do the Northmen.

Northern Wisdom presents ancient Viking parables and knowledge in a delightfully accessible modern format.

Combining Teachings on par with Buddha, Sun-Tzu, Myamoto Musashi, Nicollo Machiavelli & Lao Tzu, The Havamal sheds light on forgotten lore of the dark ages.

In the days of the shield-wall, there yet lived poets, scribes and philosophers.

In Northern Wisdom you will:
  • Journey through the Mundane and the Mystical passages of the Havamal
  • Discover the famed Hospitality of the Northmen
  • Learn Maxims for respectable conduct
  • Develop the Leadership traits of Heroes
  • Explore tips for safe travel in Dark Ages Europe
  • Uncover lessons for the bravest Warriors
  • Share in the secrets of Odin's Love Quests
  • Tap into the power of Viking Magic

(Use Code: DLMW384R ) Valid for Any of his Books!


Read more about Eoghan and his other books at www.eoghanodinsson.com or click below to buy other books.




Coming Spring 2012!

Save 25%!
Use Code: DLMW384R

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 48

The generous and brave person leads a good life,
seldom are they sad.
Cowards who are suspicious of everything,
and miserly with their money,
lead miserable lives, 
despite what they may think.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 47

When I was a young man,
I traveled alone and lost my way.
I felt so relieved when I met another man on the trail.
Men feel much better in each others company than alone.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 46

If a man you don't  trust,
is apparently speaking his mind to you,
laugh with him, and agree with him if you must.
But keep your true thoughts to yourself.
And if he is deceiving you, pay him back in kind.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 45

If you know someone,
but don't trust them,
and you still need something from them,
don't feel shamed about lying and saying nice things to them.
Trade lie for lie with them,
and do what you have to do to survive.