Sunday, March 25, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 70

Better to be alive than dead,
alive you can achieve things and gain wealth.
The living can still enjoy the basic things in life, such as a warm fire,
while the dead enjoy nothing.








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.




Use Code: DLMW384R

Use Code: DLMW384R

Coming Spring 2012!

If you're not already signed up for my BLOG,

subscribe here and you'll be able to download a FREE eBook

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 69

A woman still has worth,
even though she might have poor health.
Some are blessed with sons and daughters, others by friends,
some by wealth, and others by deeds they've done.








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.




Use Code: DLMW384R

Use Code: DLMW384R

Coming Spring 2012!

If you're not already signed up for my BLOG,

subscribe here and you'll be able to download a FREE eBook

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 68

People should appreciate the simple things in life,
a warm fire and the golden rays of the sun.
Good health should be treasured,
and living a life without shame.







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.




Use Code: DLMW384R

Use Code: DLMW384R

Coming Spring 2012!

If you're not already signed up for my BLOG,

subscribe here and you'll be able to download a FREE eBook

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Research on Druidry Week 6 & 7 (Catching up on my homework!)

As always, thanks to the Black Mountain Druid Order for their excellent course and support!

Week 6

1. What healing herbs and plants are associated with your favorite High Day?
Alban Elved is my favorite High Day, and associated with it are many products of the second harvest,  colored leaves, wreaths made with autumn flowers, corn, maize, pine cones, vines, and acorns.

2. Thinking about your favorite holiday from the Wheel of the Year, how does the aspect of spiritual growth associated with your favorite High Day relate to your life right now?

As stated on the BMDO website "It is a time for being thankful for how far we’ve come, and for considering how far we still have to go." I think at this stage of my life (midlife) this is an important time for me to reflect on what I've achieved in my life, and yet remember how much more I want to do!

3. Why is this your favorite High Day?

In addition to the synchronicity with my life noted above, it also feels like a time to slow down, relax a little and enjoy life after a rich summer harvest. Allegorically, this is what is happening in my own life, having left the corporate world, and moved into a more fulfilling but slower paced role as a writer.

Week 7

1. In what ways does the experience of nature change your mental and emotional states?
I really found the concept of 'fascination' as opposed to 'focused attention' quite intriguing. I didn't have a vocabulary for the effects before, but now I do. When outside I am able to leave behind much of the mental stimuli the pervades my household - dogs milling about, children needing attention, wife asking for chores done. Outside, all that is left behind, and my mind is free to take in the much more natural stimuli, which is at once less intense, and more fulfilling. 

2. When you are in a natural environment, what changes do you notice in your mind? In your body? In your spirit? In your emotions?

In doors the conveniences of the modern world are all begging for attention and distract me - a flushing toilet, a dripping sync, or the hum of the 60Hz electrical appliances. As I leave the confines of my home and head out into the wilderness, I start to notice things that perhaps I saw as a child, which brings back memories and pleasant feelings. I was out for a walk this morning, and the ice is finally off the ditches which are now filled with water - the perfect breeding ground for tadpoles and frogs. I remember many an adventure playing in ditches.

This primal recall of events puts me in a very relaxed mind frame, and nourishes me spiritually, bringing my emotions back into balance. I'm not worried about getting things 'done' while I'm outside, I'm just outside, existing, being, experienceing.





Read Eoghan Odinsson's Newest Book - Northern Wisdom



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.




Use Code: DLMW384R

Use Code: DLMW384R

Coming Spring 2012!

If you're not already signed up for my BLOG,

subscribe here and you'll be able to download a FREE eBook

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

A Door in the Woods

Recently someone on Facebook posted a really intriguing picture of this door in the woods. Of course I reposted, as it was on of those photos that really fires up the imagination. 

Why would there be a door in the woods? Where would it go?

In response to these questions, I was inspired to write the beginnings of a short story. Enjoy!

If you enjoy it, post comments and suggest what might happen next! Ken Lovering suggested the door may lead to the 9 worlds....very interesting! What do you think?

A Door in the Woods

By: Eoghan Odinsson

You don't normally expect to find a door in the woods, but there it stood. A set of three wide stone steps lead up to the door, which itself was a fairly ordinary door. It was painted red, and was about three feet wide, six feet tall, and had a conical top instead of a straight one. On the right side of the door there was a large round brass doorknob; a fuzzy blue glow around the edges of the door was an eerie contrast to the dim lighting under the densely packed trees.

The most remarkable thing was that the door was standing tall in the middle of the woods with no house or building attached.

Connor Jones was not supposed to be out in the woods this late in the evening, as the sun was getting ready to set and the light failing. He was twelve, and twelve year old boys are rarely worried about such things. All he could do was stand and stare at the door.

A piercing noise shattered the silence!

" BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!"

Connor's heart leapt up in his throat and nearly choked him, he stumbled backwards and tripped over some branches and landed on his behind in the dense woodland undergrowth.

He tried to gather his wits and determine the source of the cacophony, and sheepishly realized it was just his digital watch. He had set the alarm earlier in the day so he would remember to get home in time for dinner.

His heart started to slow down and he caught his breath. He looked at his watch, and pressed a button on the side of the to shut off the alarm.

Connor propped himself back up, and took another look at the door. What was the door doing there? How on earth did it get here? Who would have put it there? Has there been a house here? Questions bubbled up in his mind like shampoo on his dog. Carefully he made his way around to the back of the door and inspected it as well. It was exactly the same as the front, which was odd, because often look different on each side - but not this door. His heart started to speed up again as he considered opening the door. He felt foolish. Why should he be nervous of opening a door that went nowhere? But he felt it just the same. His mind finally forced his hand to reach for the doorknob, ever so slowly. His hand rested on the doorknob which was cool to the touch. Carefully he started to turn the doorknob clockwise, he heard a little 'click', then...

"Connor!", a voice shouted. "Connor!" It was his mother calling him.

He jumped off the stone steps and ran towards his mothers voice, dodging saplings and stumps on his way back to his house. As he was within a few hundred feet of his house he saw his mother with a grim look on her face. The kind of look she reserved for him when there were extra chores involved - not good.

"Connor, didn't you hear me calling?"

"Yes mum, sorry," replied Connor, "I set the alarm on my watch, it just went off."

"Ok, well I don't like you being in the woods after dark. You might trip and break a leg and be stuck out there all night. Go sit down at the table, we're about to eat." All Connor could think about was the door.

Thankfully it was summer break and he should be able to go and see it again in the morning.


<<<<<<<<<      >>>>>>>>

Remember, POST Comments if you want to read more!




Read Eoghan Odinsson's Latest Book - Northern Wisdom



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.




Use Code: DLMW384R

Use Code: DLMW384R

Coming Spring 2012!

If you're not already signed up for my BLOG,

subscribe here and you'll be able to download a FREE eBook

Monday, March 12, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 67

You'll find yourself much more welcome,
in the homes of those where you give more than you take.
Do more for your friends than they do for you,
and you'll always find you're a welcome guest.







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.




Use Code: DLMW384R

Use Code: DLMW384R

Coming Spring 2012!

If you're not already signed up for my BLOG,

subscribe here and you'll be able to download a FREE eBook

Friday, March 9, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 66

I came to one feast too late,
to another one too early.
The beer was either drunk, or not yet brewed,
a man who everyone despises is rarely welcomed.







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.




Use Code: DLMW384R

Use Code: DLMW384R

Coming Spring 2012!

If you're not already signed up for my BLOG,

subscribe here and you'll be able to download a FREE eBook

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 65

Everyone should be watchful of what they say,
be slow to put your faith in a friend.
Too often something said to one person,
can harm another.







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.




Use Code: DLMW384R

Use Code: DLMW384R

Coming Spring 2012!

If you're not already signed up for my BLOG,

subscribe here and you'll be able to download a FREE eBook

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Modernized Havamal - Verse 64

A prudent man exercises his strength carefully,
is mild, and is never overly forceful.
When in a room with other powerful men,
you may find you're not the top dog.








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.




Use Code: DLMW384R

Use Code: DLMW384R

Coming Spring 2012!

If you're not already signed up for my BLOG,

subscribe here and you'll be able to download a FREE eBook

Friday, March 2, 2012

Research on Druidry Week 5, Earth Path Reflections: Foundations

Updates on my ongoing research into Druidry via the year long dedicant course courtesy of the Black Mountain Druid Order


My Homework
------------------------------
Month 2 Week 1 Earth Path Reflections: Foundations
For the rest of this week, try to spend at least fifteen minutes per day in nature. Go to a park if there is one nearby, or just spend time out in the back yard if you have a yard. Pay attention to the moment, observing what you see going on in the natural world around you. 


Try this: Before going out on your daily nature exercise, take your pulse and record the number of beats per minute. After completing your fifteen minutes of simply observing nature, take your pulse again and record the number of beats per minute. Was there a difference? 



As you become practiced at observing nature, focus on the stillness. Picture your mind as the surface of a lake. Allow your mind to become quiet. See the ripples of thought on the lake of your mind slowly calming until the surface is like glass.



As you practice this for this week, it may help to do the Basic Mindful Meditation from the previous lesson. 



After a week of spending time in nature, post your reflections on these questions:
1. As you spend time in nature, what changes do you notice in yourself?
2. As you spend time in nature, do you see things you've never noticed before?
3. Did you have any new experiences?
4. If so, what were they?

------------------------------


1. As you spend time in nature, what changes do you notice in yourself?


Much like the first week, I immediately see balance being restored in my body, and in my spirit - it's as if I was viewing those old weigh scales and someone deposited something heavy on the other side, and it starts creeping into balance, lifting me up!


Very inspiring.


I feel more alert, I'm not sure if its due to the extra oxygen, additional sensory input etc. Whatever it is, I feel my senses heightened.

2. As you spend time in nature, do you see things you've never noticed before?


Definitely, Im trying to pay attention and learn more about the plants and animals in our area. I was getting pretty good at identifying every tree on my property in Virginia, but we're now back in Canada so I'm having to re-aquaint myself with the local trees here. I know the commons ones, Pine, Oak etc. But now am starting to recognize plants, shrubs and other less common trees.


When my mother was a kid she used to know every name of every plant she could see, and when I was young she taught them to me. But she grew up on the farm, I in the city and suburbs.


3. Did you have any new experiences?


Yes!

4. If so, what were they?



This week I started to notice the flight pattern of Chickadees as they approached my bird feeder. It's like a wave! They start falling in an arc, then flap their wings briefly, rise up and forward, then start falling down again. Like a sine wave for any of you science majors!


Yet I notice the Junkos and other birds don't do it quite like that as they approach the feeder, they have more of a direct flight path.




Read Eoghan's Latest Book - Northern Wisdom



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.




Use Code: DLMW384R

Use Code: DLMW384R

Coming Spring 2012!

If you're not already signed up for my BLOG,