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...we all have a powerful shamanic connection that we can always rely on. A connection that nurtures us and can bring so much healing and guidance into our lives.

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https://youtu.be/RAjTpQq0mb0?si=9GO9vfMFJ3q3cD_6

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Roel Crabbe:  Shamanic Journeying from the Shamanic Dreamkeeper Summit

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Greg Patenaude

Compassion In the Age of Conflict
Greg shares wisdom and a meditative practice from the Buddhist tradition. Compassion for ourselves as well as others is a key for negotiating through these challenging times.

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Rev.  Jan Chase

A New Thought/Unity Meditation on our Evolving Consciousness inspired by Spiral Dynamics and Beyond.
Jan guided us through a meditation experience of passing through the various levels of consciousness (memes) which we move through as individuals and as humankind. This understanding can help us understand who we are and accept where others are coming from.

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by Wendell Berry

When despair for the world grows in me

and I wake in the night at the least sound

in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,

I go and lie down where the wood drake

rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.

I come into the peace of wild things

who do not tax their lives with forethought

of grief. I come into the presence of still water.

And I feel above me the day-blind stars

waiting with their light. For a time

I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

Many will know this poem by American poet and farmer Wendell Berry. It is one of my favorites.

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Rose Bui leads us in a celebration of CaoDai's 100th Anniversary of its founding. A spiritual practice which accepts practitioners of all religions, which have risen from one Supreme Being. This is the same Source/Divinity/Energy which unites us all by calling us into harmony with all beings.

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Watch your thoughts, for they become words.

Watch your words, for they become actions.

Watch your actions, for they become habits.

Watch your habits, for they become character.

Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

Author unknown

It also becomes our shared destiny!

Cathy

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Greetings all,

The recording for this session is on the Interfaith Alignment's YouTube channel, which you can reach through their website at:

www.interfaithalignment.org/sessions

Scroll to the bottom of the page for the link to the recording for "Celebrating Imbolc..."

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

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Sessions — Interfaith Contemplative Practices

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These are traditional Latvian month names that reflect natural phenomena and the agricultural cycle. Each name describes characteristic events of that time:

January – Frost Month: Often the coldest time of the year. - February – Candle Month: Associated with Candlemas and candle-making. - March – Crust Month: The time when snow begins to thaw, forming a hard crust. - April – Sap Month: The season for tapping birch and maple sap. - May – Leaf Month: Trees begin to leaf out, and nature fully awakens. - June – Flower Month: Meadows and fields bloom, and midsummer herbs flourish. - July – Linden (also Hay) Month: Linden trees bloom, and haymaking takes place. - August – Rye Month: The period for harvesting rye and other grains. - September – Heather (also Forest) Month: Heather blooms, and it’s the season for berry-picking and mushroom gathering. - October – Spirits Month: Traditionally believed to be the time when spirits of the dead visit the living. - November – Frost Month: The end of autumn, with frequent frosts. - December – Wolf Month: The longest nights of the year, when wolves become more active.

These names are deeply tied to the Latvian seasonal cycle and traditional livelihoods.

In Latvian:

Janvāris - Sala mēnesis. Februāris - Sveču mēnesis. Marts - Sērsnu mēnesis. Aprīlis - Sulu mēnesis. Maijs - Lapu mēnesis. Jūnijs - Ziedu mēnesis. Jūlijs – Liepu (arī Siena) mēnesis. Augusts - Rudzu mēnesis. Septembris - Viršu (arī Silu) mēnesis. Oktobris - Veļu mēnesis. Novembris - Salnu mēnesis. Decembris - Vilku mēnesis

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The Faravahar (or Farvahar) is a significant symbol in Zoroastrianism that conveys deep spiritual and moral meaning. Its elements are interpreted as follows:

Human Figure: Represents the soul and human wisdom, symbolizing an individual's choice to follow the righteous path in life.

Wings: Composed of three rows of feathers, each row stands for the core Zoroastrian principles of Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds.

Tail Feathers: Divided into three sections, these signify Bad Thoughts, Bad Words, and Bad Deeds, highlighting what should be avoided to lead a virtuous life.

Two Streamers: Extending from the central circle, these symbolize the duality of existence: good and evil. The right-hand streamer represents good, while the left-hand streamer points to evil, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right path.

Circle in the Middle: Signifies the eternal nature of the universe and the soul, representing the cyclical essence of life.

Ring in the Figure's Hand: Often interpreted as a ring of covenant or loyalty, it symbolizes a commitment to righteousness.

Head Facing Forward: Indicates progress and the continual pursuit of growth and improvement.

The Faravahar embodies moral integrity, spiritual progression, and the concept of choosing good over evil, encouraging individuals to live by the principles of wisdom and virtue

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The Sacred Fire at the Zororastrian Fire Temple in Baku, Azerbaijan.. I visited it in November 2024.

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These are traditional Latvian month names that reflect natural phenomena and the agricultural cycle. Each name describes characteristic events of that time:

- January – Frozen Month: Often the coldest time of the year.

- February – Candle Month: Associated with candle-making.

- March – Crust Month: The time when snow begins to thaw, forming a hard crust.

- April – Sap Month: The season for tapping birch sap.

- May – Leaf Month: Trees begin to leaf out, and nature fully awakens.

- June – Flower Month: Meadows and fields bloom, and midsummer herbs flourish.

- July – Linden (also Hay) Month: Linden trees bloom, and haymaking takes place.

- August – Rye Month: The period for harvesting rye and other grains.

- September – Heather (also Forest) Month: Heather blooms, and it’s the season for berry-picking and mushroom gathering.

- October – Spirits Month: Traditionally believed to be the time when spirits of the dead visit the living.

- November – Frost Month: The end of autumn, with frequent frosts.

- December – Wolf Month: The longest nights of the year, when wolves become more active.

These names are deeply tied to the Latvian seasonal cycle and traditional livelihoods.

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These are traditional Latvian month names that reflect natural phenomena and the agricultural cycle. Each name describes characteristic events of that time:

- January – Frost Month: Often the coldest time of the year.

- February – Candle Month: Associated with Candlemas and candle-making.

- March – Crust Month: The time when snow begins to thaw, forming a hard crust.

- April – Sap Month: The season for tapping birch and maple sap.

- May – Leaf Month: Trees begin to leaf out, and nature fully awakens.

- June – Flower Month: Meadows and fields bloom, and midsummer herbs flourish.

- July – Linden (also Hay) Month: Linden trees bloom, and haymaking takes place.

- August – Rye Month: The period for harvesting rye and other grains.

- September – Heather (also Forest) Month: Heather blooms, and it’s the season for berry-picking and mushroom gathering.

- October – Spirits Month: Traditionally believed to be the time when spirits of the dead visit the living.

- November – Frost Month: The end of autumn, with frequent frosts.

- December – Wolf Month: The longest nights of the year, when wolves become more active.

These names are deeply tied to the Latvian seasonal cycle and traditional livelihoods.

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There is a very beautiful film telling the stories of women using an ancient sauna house in Estonia through the seasons: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_Sauna_Sisterhood (On a personal note - it is just 1 hour's drive from my grandmother's house and I have been in the area many times!)

A sauna is a very important place in the Nordic and Baltic cultures - a place of birth, life, death and spirituality. The steam in the sauna is called "gars" in Latvian - the same word as spitit or the Holy Spirit.

Even in the most ancient times the sauna house was at the heart of life - keeping people warm in the cold months of the winter. As a child I was working on rebuilding such a site and guess what? In the miggle of the setlement was a sauna house! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%80rai%C5%A1i_lake_dwelling_site

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It was wonderful, Urzula, to hear more about Latvia and your childhood memories.

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As one of the organizers of the Finnish meeting yesterday I feel we had a very positive and warm meeting yesterday with many good questions.

I am very much looking forward to go to New York in the spring to meet my daughter and my third grandchild ... not born yet :) . I have never visited the USA but I have a feeling that there are many common historical connections between the Nordic countries and people especially in the NE USA. I look forward to visit the USA.

I was asked to upload a link to yesterday's video. I have now made the video public meaning that it is possibly to Google it. The main part was recorded in 2022 when we had a beautiful "real" winter. If somebody wants to look at the areas shown on Google maps or Google Earth try the following addresses:

Mankholmantie in the town of Espoo Finland the triangular peninsula is where I live.

Lasilaakso in the town of Espoo. This is a fairly small Nature Preserve where cows graze in the summer and :) certain people seem to walk with the face glued to the ground ... probably looking for magic mushrooms.

Thanks for a pleasant meeting yesterday!

/Lasse

https://youtu.be/Fnvmax_3-V0

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World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025 greetings from Finland

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The Hafiz poem "The God Who Only Knows Four Words" reminded me of a poem I wrote two years ago, "Dancing With the Divine."

This was a delightful presentation. I plan on watching it over and over, especially when feeling down or distressed by what is going on in the world.

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In honor of the Sami people I would like to offer our Charter for Compassion Land Acknowledgement.  I pray that they are treated with respect, that they are allowed to be the stewards of their traditional lands, and that their culture and wisdom traditions thrive. 

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February 6th is an official day for honoring the Sami people

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February 6th is an official day for honoring the Sami people

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Rev. Dr. Urzula Glienecke is a Latvian theologian, artist, and activist living in Scotland. She is a member of the Iona Community, Interfaith Alignment, and is currently working as one of the chaplains at the University of Edinburgh.

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A tarot card that emerged in a recent reading.

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Morgana's session on Sunday touched me, as last week I had a tarot reading and this Priestess card was part of my spread. It was in the placement of past influences, suggesting that this Priestess energy has been with me for a long time, even in past lives. I find this very inspiring and affirming.

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A film recommended by Urzula Glienecke. Synopsis:

In the darkness of a smoke sauna, women share their innermost secrets and intimate experiences, washing off the shame trapped in their bodies and regaining their strength through a sense of communion.

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Smoke Sauna Sisterhood directed by Anna Hints. Buy tickets, find where Smoke Sauna Sisterhood is streaming online and demand it.

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Heidi Rautionmaa from Finland offers a unique insight into Sami culture and tradition on this day which is sacred to them

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Laughter, smiles, kindness and innocence are the keys to achieve SPACE (Silence-Peace-Awareness-Compassion-Emptiness). Thank you, Arun and Jamal for sharing.

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Laughter, smiles, kindness and innocence are the keys to achieve SPACE (Silence-Peace-Awareness-Compassion-Emptiness). Thank you, Arun and Jamal for sharing.

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Arun Waklu and Imam Jamal Jamal guide us through poems, funny stories, and centering practices which reconnect us with our shared Oneness.

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Dancing with the Compassionate Heart of Humanity WIHW25 (1)

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Thank you Cynn. Beautiful way to start the day.

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Cynn Nielsen, LMT led an introduction to RadiantFlow Five Element QiGong, a practice that restores the body and chakra system by aligning with winter’s seasonal energies.

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For Gandhi, truth was not merely an abstract principle but a way of life. He believed that living in accordance with truth leads to inner peace and harmony with others. In a world fraught with deception and conflict, embracing truth can serve as a powerful antidote.

Nonviolence, on the other hand, extends beyond physical restraint; it encompasses kindness, empathy, and understanding towards all living beings. By practising nonviolence in our thoughts, words, and actions, we cultivate an environment of respect and compassion. This approach encourages dialogue over discord and fosters a sense of community.

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Mahatma Gandhi, a pivotal figure in the history of India and the world. , is often celebrated for his role in the struggle for Indian independence through nonviolent resistance. However, his teachings extend far beyond political activism; they offer profound insights into living a life rooted in wisdom, compassion, and ethical integrity. 

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Ram Mohan Rai-Living Wisdom - a Gandhian perspective- feb 2025

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I appreciate the image of the eternal flame.  What came to me is we are all called to tend the eternal flame within our hearts and to recognize that flame in the hearts of others. This brought me back to  my youth as a Catholic, and how important the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is, with its eternal flame

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Peace is a participatory pursuit. It doesn't happen in a vacuum, as while we might each individually be peaceful, we have to light our torches of peace and come together and join our flames together. Brigid's fire, kept for generations, was an Earthly reminder of that peace. It had to be tended. It had to be maintained. And, sadly, when the authorities stomped it out, the fire had to wait...but it was lit again and again, in our hearts, and now, again, in physical space, to remind us that peace is worth fighting for - together. We might all carry our fire in different vessels - candles, torches, fire bowls, or turnips, but the flames are the same, no matter our tradition. Peace is worth pursuing from each generation to the next. Wishing everyone light and love, Beth Ritter-Guth

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Imbolc

by Barbara Chaapel

Pushing through winter leaves

tiny faces, butter yellow,

turn toward the ascending sun.

Like tiny bees they awake,

look around,

spatter the forest floor gold.

Flame of spring.

Brighid’s candle.

Oh how we need you.

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Imbolc

Pushing through winter leaves

tiny faces, butter yellow,

turn toward the ascending sun.

Like tiny bees they awake,

look around,

spatter the forest gold.

Flames of spring.

Brighid’s candles.

Oh how we need you.

Barbara Chaapel

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Celebrating Imbolc - Invocation to Bridgid, Exalted One

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Celebrating Imbolc - Invocation to Bridgid, Exalted One

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O Brigid, Exalted One,
Goddess of fire, of flame, of light,
We call upon you in this sacred hour,
To kindle the spark within our hearts,
And guide us with your wisdom bright.

You, who dwell by the sacred wells,
Whose waters flow with ancient grace,
Grant us the strength to cleanse and heal,
And nourish us with your sacred embrace.

Lady of the forge, the hearth, the home,
Shape us as your hands do shape the stone.
Through your fire, may we be reborn,
Through your flame, may we be transformed.

O Exalted One, with eyes aglow,
To you, our hearts and voices flow.
We seek your blessings, we seek your grace,
May we walk forever in your sacred place.

The brightest of blessings. Hail Brigid Bright!

Listen to her answer. Think of those who would benefit from her healing energy . .. also for yourself

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Print of Rowan Fairgrove's Brighid mural 

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Print of Rowan Fairgrove's Brighid mural 

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Holy Brighid, Lady of Peace

- Rev. Rowan Faigrove, EPs

25 Sept 2021

Goddess whose mantle covers fire

Who brings to all divine inspiration.

May you inspire us with your love and peace.

Holy Brighid, may your Mantle of Peace

Comfort those who do the work of justice

Together may our work increase the love, peace and kindness of the world

May our efforts bring comfort and clarity to those who struggle

May our efforts bring justice and grace to those in crisis

May our efforts bring witness and truth to those unseen

May our efforts bring harmony and peace to all

May peace prevail in our homes, may peace prevail in our streets, may peace prevail in our cities, may peace prevail in our nations, may peace prevail on earth.

Thus may Peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.

Holy Brighid, inspire us to act justly and to reverence all of Life.

So Mote it Be. Boidh se mar sin. Blessed be.

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Brigid of the Morning

Rowan Fairgrove 1998

I am the poet and the poem

The inspiration in the night

I stand beside the Tarb Feiss

And whisper wisdom low and true

I am the shining sun of morning

A fire that burns inside the head

My gifts are knowledge and transformation

I pound and quench and draw out souls upon the forge of time

The flowing waters of my well

Soothe womb and soul alike

At childbed I am the midwife who brings new souls to birth

For mine is the gift of life.

Those who seek me will find nourishment

I am the brewer of new ale

I am the baker of the grain

All acts of transformation will I aid

The seed becomes the shoot

The shoot grows as its nature dictates

Thus has it always been and always shall be

I am the vitality of the fire that dwells within

Copyright by Rowan Fairgrove

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Pause for Peace

www.solasbhride.ie

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Rekindling the Flame

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Holy Water

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"The Fiery Arrow" - a translation of Brigid's name - and the comet which arrived on Brigid's Day - 2023 when the first National Holiday in Ireland was observed for the healing, honoring and celebration of the Women and Children of Ireland.

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Brigid's Well, Kildare

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Oh Brigid, Oh Brigid, light my way with your warm fire and care. 

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Oh Brigid, Oh Brigid, light my way with your warm fire and care. 

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Guide us all to peace within and around. Bring light to the darkness, and peace to the war, especially those within us. Amen

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Highly recommend this wonderful story on Brigid: Rebirth of the Mother. The Goddess Brigid is known to be a daughter of the Dagda, “the Good God”. But who was her mother?

An ancient future storytelling.

https://knotworkstorytelling.com/episode/best-of-laura-murphy-boinn

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Brigid: Rebirth of the Mother by Laura Murphy | S5 Ep20 - KnotWork Storytelling

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The goddess Brigid is known to be a daughter of Dagda, “the Good God.” But who was her mother?