Today I build an altar...

Today I build an altar...
A simple altar
Built in honor of the Shining Ones.
To those who have seen their shrines destroyed.
And their followers persecuted or killed for their beliefs.
This altar stands for the victory of freedom over terror.
Freedom of religion.
Sovereignty of conscience.
Integrity of personal and communal property.
It is built in defiance of the zealots and the missionaries
Who brazenly trod upon the rights and will of others,
And who attempted to remove the influence, memory, and history of the many deities across the continents.

Today I light a fire in the memory of these deities...

May the light of this small fire drive away the shadows that the prophets of jealousy placed around our gods and goddesses.

May connections, knowledge, and wisdom be restored.

May the names of these hidden deities be spoken by the people again, and may freedom to determine our beliefs be in the hands of the people again.
Today I utter the names of these deities aloud, and my voice shall join a throng of others who are honoring and hailing the hidden deities of their cultures, traditions, and beliefs.

Jecha
Stuffo
Biel
Lohra
Reto

Come today and be our honored guests!

Hail!

Observance of the Desecrated Shrines

Urglaawe "days" begin at sunset of the night before, so tonight (June 4) at sunset marks the beginning of the Observance of the Desecrated Shrines. This observance is in honor of those deities whose shrines were destroyed, damaged, and disrespected through the actions of missionaries and zealots. The lore of many of these deities was lost in the persecution of those who held to the old ways, and there may be many more deities who are now completely unknown to us.

June 5 is the feast day of the Christian missionary Boniface, who destroyed the sacred oak of Dunner and desecrated the shrines of Jecha, Stuffo, and Lohra/Lare. We hold our observance on this day to renew our ties to our deities and to assert our sovereignty of conscience and our right to religious freedom.

This is a pan-Pagan observance, and people of all traditions and backgrounds are invited to take part in the observance, honoring their deities in the manner to which they are accustomed. 

The Urglaawe ritual format is shared for convenience, but, again, adherents of all traditions are welcomed to follow their own formats and to honor their own deities.

For the Urglaawe ritual, some potential altar items:

Jecha: a bow and/or arrow

Lohra: a book of some educational value

Stuffo: image from GardenStone's book (Gods of the Germanic Peoples 2, p. 484). The image is a bit  peculiar to our modern eyes, and the age of the dedication stone is unknown. It is important to keep in mind that deity portrayals in many cultures often appear strange at first blush, particularly when the context is unknown.

Biel: a branch from a tree

Reto: an empty (yet honored) space to be filled as He becomes better known

Hail the gods! Hail the goddesses!

______________

GardenStone. Gods of the Germanic Peoples (two volumes). Norderstedt, Germany: Books on Demand, 2014.

Regarding Standing Rock...

Today, many Heathens are posting this video to express our solidarity with the Standing Rock protesters, and I would like to share my personal sentiments as well.

The opening of the video makes a reference to the forces of nature, personified in the giant troll women, turning against King Frothi for his unjust leadership, thereby bringing down his kingdom.

We Urglaawer just completed the observance of Allelieweziel. Part of our observance is the recognition that the settlers of Allemaengel had violated a social contract that exists among all living things, thereby causing the plants and animals to abandon them. Had the settlers not recognized their error and been instructed by Hexes and Brauchers to make amends, the colony would have perished.

Standing Rock presents the potential for the same circumstance. I recognize that the matter has some complicating angles. For example, I drive vehicles for my private use as well as for part of my paid job. I recognize that fuel is necessary for our society to continue. However, does the pipeline need to be built through the sacred lands of the Dakota and Lakota? Does their water supply really need to be put in jeopardy?

The history of the relationship between the tribes and the US government is well known: Broken promises, broken treaties, broken arrows, and wounded knees. The Standing Rock Indian Reservation is itself the result of a broken treaty that unilaterally altered the Great Sioux Reservation. A feature of this action was to break up the tribal culture and relationship that existed among the tribes and bands in the region. Something about that undermining of a folk culture sounds familiar to this Deitsch man.

The broken promises and broken treaties are of critical importance to me as a Heathen. The keeping of oaths is central to our religion and our social integrity. The US breaking treaties affects our Wurt as a nation, and our government's actions toward the tribes diminish our honor and imperil our future.

Additionally, the pipeline construction endangers burial grounds of the tribes' ancestors. As a Heathen who owns a cemetery, I recognize the importance to my own soul of honoring my ancestors.

To allow for the disruption or destruction of the tribes' sacred graveyards is beyond reprehensible and places a stain on us that will last from generation to generation. How would the average American feel if his or her ancestors graveyards were overturned for someone else's profit? It is appalling that we are even having to talk about this in the current era. Have we learned nothing since the 19th Century?

Apparently we have not. We are seeing the violation of Standing Rock sovereignty and Dakota/Lakota dignity in order to feed the corporate machine. We are seeing a disrespect for the land, for the land spirits, and for those who have gone before. We are witnessing the violation of promises and treaties. This is unacceptable.

Delaware Valley Pagan Clergy Submission Form

Let's build a list of Clergy folk in the Delaware Valley Pagan Network. 

Please note that the information submitted will be made public, so please do not share anything that you do not wish to have available publicly.

http://dvpagans.blogspot.com/p/httpsdocs.html

Yuletide Sock Drive

Socks are one of the most requested items at homeless shelters, but they are also one of the least-donated items.

From December 17, 2016 (Krampuslauf Philadelphia: Parade of Spirits) through January 1, 2016, Distelfink Sippschaft will be collecting new, unworn socks for folks in need. We need all sizes, from baby to adult male. Practical socks, fun socks, fuzzy socks, holiday socks, argyle socks are all needed!

Stock up stacks of socks and stockings and help to bring warmth to the feet of those in need this Yuletide!

Contact Robert L. Schreiwer (schreiwer@urglaawe.org) for collection sites. The first location will be at Parade of Spirits/Krampuslauf in Liberty Lands Park.

Donations will be directed to homeless shelters in the Delaware Valley.

Krampuslauf Philadelphia: Parade of Spirits Photos

Most of our photos came from the preparation period because it was difficult to take photos while marching, but there were other people taking photographs of the parade along the marching route. Hopefully we will be able to share more in the future. Featured in our photos are Mike Hicks in his debut in the role of Belsnickel. Robert L. Schreiwer reprised his 2013 role as Gedreier Eckhart, the leader of the Wild Hunt from Deitsch lore. Andria Carpentier marched as a spirit in the Hunt and assisted others with makeup. Corrine Johnson delighted the crowd with her stunning handmade Yule Cat (from Icelandic lore) costume. Joe Barrett and other folks formed a group of Yule Lads.

Kindred of Mann added their logo to the Heathen Traditions banner. :)

Photos (from Andria Carpentier and Robert L. Schreiwer)

Channel 17 has some great pics posted, particularly from the fire performers!

Photos from Channel 17 in Philadelphia

Once again, Krampuslauf Philadelphia: Parade of Spirits has exceeded our expectations. This wondrous, grassroots, community- and participant-driven event continues to grow and to flourish in the City of Brotherly Love.

Yuletide Sock Drive

YULETIDE SOCK DRIVE

Socks are one of the most requested items at homeless shelters, but they are also one of the least-donated items.

We will be collecting new, unworn socks for folks in need. We need all sizes, from baby to adult male. Practical socks, fun socks, fuzzy socks, holiday socks, argyle socks are all needed!

Stock up stacks of socks and stockings and help to bring warmth to the feet of those in need this Yuletide!

PHILADELPHIA METRO

Contact Robert L. Schreiwer for collection sites. The first location will be at Krampuslauf in Liberty Lands Park on December 12, 2015.

PITTSBURGH METRO

Contact Jo Spinks for collection sites. Drive runs through January 2, 2016.

Donations will be directed to shelters and community organizations in the local areas.

Krampuslauf Philadelphia: Parade of Spirits

KRAMPUSLAUF PHILADELPHIA: PARADE OF SPIRITS

Philadelphia, PA: The fifth annual Krampuslauf Philadelphia: Parade of Spirits is set to take place on Saturday, December 12, 2015, at Liberty Lands Park in Philadelphia. Gathering time begins at 3:00 with the parade setting off just before sunset. 

Krampuslauf Philadelphia began as a grassroots event in 2011. Founder Amber Dorko-Stopper states, “My original purpose in creating Krampuslauf Philadelphia was to experiment with grassroots folkloric festivals within the community. I started out without a community to do it in, and so everything I hoped Krampuslauf would be -- having never been to a "real" one in Austria or Germany -- was based around what I would want to see and participate in with my then three year-old children.” 

As such, Krampuslauf Philadelphia is a very family-friendly event. The rhythm of the event is echoes numerous cultures. Says Dorko-Stopper, “Also, because my children are both children of color -- my son was born in South Korea, my daughter is African-American -- I gave a lot of thought to ancestral heritages and what I could do to evoke "monsters" of all cultures in one event, as it became clearer to me that anywhere that winter was cold, there was, in almost every nation, a "monster" of winter, who often had horns, and often had bells. The undercurrent of universal language was there and I appreciated being able to tap into it without guilt or fear. It was amazing to suddenly be getting letters from Austrians, telling me how our Krampuslauf looked more like Austria's had in years past -- less like the Krampus events held there today, and how our homemade ethic and spirit of working together without boundaries was appreciated.”

Dorko-Stopper has also welcomed the presence of the Pagan community. The Heathen Contingent for Krampuslauf Philadelphia every year presents themes or characters that align with the multicultural presentation of the event. German, Austrian, Pennsylvania German, Manx, Scottish, and Irish characters have a regular presence at the event. 

Tucker Collins, an organizer and leader of the event, says, ”My favorite part of the event is being able to observe the way people come together, and what they bring of themselves to that event. Getting to see how people choose to express themselves through their costuming. Some people attend wholly in character, some come with serious demeanors and others with jest. I love seeing the broadening of cultures represented there, and the increasing personalization of the event for its participants. You don't have to know where you are going or what you want to do when you choose to start, and creativity can flow from there.  It probably is interesting to people that see us passing, but the procession is something we do for ourselves as a community.

In order to help to increase the participation and this expression of self in the event, Dorko-Stopper and Collins arrange for periodic opportunities throughout the year for the community to learn to make their own masks or decorations for the event.

From the Heathen perspective, the Parade of Spirits is a depiction of the Wild Hunt. Dorks-Stopper is widely known by the moniker of Frau Perchta, a most appropriate title given her role in the organization of the event. This year, the parade will again be led by Gedreier Eckhart (Loyal Eckhart), the man of Pennsylvania German and German lore who was sent ahead to alert humanity of the Wild Hunt’s impending arrival. 

The community is encouraged to don shadow side costumes and to join the Parade of Spirits! Oh, and bring a noisemaker!

ROBERT L. SCHREIWER

DELAWARE VALLEY PAGAN NETWORK

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

Krampuslauf Philadelphia 2015: Parade of Spirits begins and ends in Liberty Lands Park in Philly. Gathering time can start as early as 3:00, but most folks come closer to 4:00. The parade begins at just about sundown (4:35 PM). Folks are encouraged to be in costumes that reflect the time of the year and to bring noisemakers. We still need volunteers to help with traffic. :)

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Liberty+Lands/@39.9654089,-75.1422628,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x7121cb209091c000

Allelieweziel Article in the "Wild Hunt"

The Urglaawe observance of Allelieweziel got a write-up on the Wild Hunt, which is a major Pagan news source. 

It is a good article by Heather Greene with some good photos by Jennifer Milby of Distelfink's ceremony from Sunday, October 25, 2015

GoFundMe for Heathen Presence at the Parliament of the World's Religions

This year, for the first time, there will be a Heathen presence at the Parliament of the World's Religions in Salt Lake City, UT (October 15-19). This is a significant opportunity for Heathen leaders to engage and to network with leaders of other religions. This event will increase the visibility of Heathenry in the public eye and set a precedent for inclusion in future endeavors.

The Parliament will feature the following Heathen presentations:

"Staving off Ragnarök: A Heathen Response to Climate Change" (Diana Paxson) on Saturday, October 17 at 10:00 AM

and

"Rebuilding the Altars: Reconstructing Indigenous Pagan Faiths for Today" (Diana Paxson, Robert L. Schreiwer, Erynn Laurie, Elisheva Nesher, Kirk Thomas, and Gwendolyn Reese) on Sunday, October 18 at 8:15 AM.

Additionally, there will be a Heathen information booth (#878) with pamphlets and books for distribution and sale. An Urglaawe altar will be present in a shared Pagan Faiths space somewhere in rooms A-G in sections 150 or 151 (clarifying information will be provided as it becomes available).

All of this costs money, so a GoFundMe effort has been set up to help to defray the participants' costs. If you are unable to donate money, please help by passing along the link.

Thank you!

We Are Heathens... and We Are Most Certainly Not "Godless!"

When most Heathens and Pagans say "Heathen" today, we mean something far different from the standard dictionary definitions: godless; irreligious; a member of a people of a non-Abrahamic faith (meaning, not Jewish, Christian, or Muslim).

The first definition highly erroneous. We are anything but "godless." Instead, we are, on the whole, polytheistic, with a pantheon of very distinct, individual gods and goddesses. 

The second definition varies from person to person; however, most people who identify themselves as Heathen spend a considerable amount of their daily routine discussing, thinking and living their concept of the Heathen way.

The third definition is mostly accurate. While some Heathens do acknowledge the god of the Bible, the majority believe in, and focus on, the deities of our own pantheon and religious constructs... much the same as adherents of any faith do. 

So where did this Heathen identity come from? I will frame the discussion somewhat overly simply in order to make it easier to comprehend. During the conversion era, the cities and towns were converted first. The countryside, or the "heath," was converted later. Thus, Christianity was the religion of the city or town dwellers, and the "heathen religion" remained the identity of the rural population... that is, until their later conversion, which was often violent and involuntary.

In short, the origin of Heathen is simply "of the heath" or "of the countryside." In its origins, it does not mean godless, and it does not mean irreligious. We are slowly reassuming control of this identity in English and related languages.

Because "Heathen" is an English word, the "default" meaning for us relates to the pre-Christian religion of the Teutonic peoples (Germans, Scandinavians, Anglo-Saxons, and kindred tribes) and their modern expressions. These modern expressions feature many names, such as Urglaawe, Astaru, Forn Sed, Theodism, Vanatru, and others. These modern denominations share many features but are also divergent, and they also are diverse in their populations.

There are also other forms of Heathenry, including Celtic Heathenry and Slavic Heathenry, and they contain their own identities... and they, too, are anything but "godless."

Heathen Banner for Krampuslauf Philadelphia

We have been having discussions in the Heathen Contingent for Krampuslauf Philadelphia and Urglaawe Fiber Arts Guild groups on Facebook about creating a Heathen banner for Krampuslauf Philadelphia. This project is now a go.

As a "living banner," part of the goal is to have something that can be added to year after year. As we are getting a somewhat later start than ideal, this year's banner will start with a simple design of what ever words we decide to use on a parade style banner that measures approximately 6ft wide x 3ft tall with a border of work contributed by the community. 

To keep it simple and easy this year, we were thinking about smaller "patch" style pieces consisting of decorative stitching, applique, or even painted (fabric markers or paint). These patches should be a finished size of 6in x 3in. Note: If you are using a material that might fray, please leave a 1/2-inch allowance for it to be turned under. Large enough to be seen but small enough that people may have some time to get something done in an afternoon to contribute to the banner. 

Our hope is to have the banner debut at Krampuslauf this year, which, if you have been keeping track is less than a month away! Krampuslauf Philadelphia takes place in Liberty Lands Park in Philadelphia on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

Folks from everywhere are invited to create a patch that represents you or your tradition and to send it patch to us, and we'll add it to the banner.

Distelfink Sippschaft

PO Box 2131

Bristol, PA 19007

Thank you!

Happy Walpurgisnacht!

For more views on the local Heathen flavor of this holiday via the Urglaawe perspective, please see the post on Urglaawe.net titled Hallichi Walpurgisnacht... adder Hallichi Wonnenacht!

Press Release: Philadelphia Pagan Pride Day - Please distribute freely

FOR RELEASE August 11, 2013 

Media Contact: Robert L. Schreiwer, 
philadelphiapaganpride@gmail.com 

Philadelphia Pagan Pride, Inc., is pleased to announce the return of Philadelphia Pagan Pride Day on Saturday, August 31, 2013, at Clark Park (4301 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143). The event runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, rain or shine. 

Philadelphia Pagan Pride Day is a family-friendly celebration of the harvest and reflects a variety of Pagan, Heathen, Wiccan, and other religious beliefs and practices. The day's events will feature a variety of workshops and discussions on religious and cultural aspects from the various traditions.

We have an exciting array of vendors and performers who will exhibit their wares and their talents. We are accepting additional vendors, workshop leaders, performers, and children's activity ideas up until August 15, 2013. Please visit www.philadelphiapaganpride.org to participate! 

Entry to the event is free, but we do request the donation of a canned food item or other provisions for our beneficiaries. This year, our beneficiaries are the food bank at the Mazzoni Center, Forgotten Cats, and In-Reach Heathen Prison Services. 

In 2012, Mazzoni Center's food bank Mazzoni Center's Food Bank provided more than 11,000 bags of groceries for over 1,200 individuals and families. For more information on Mazzoni Center services, please see mazzonicenter.org/content/food-bank.

Forgotten Cats is a humane trap, neuter, and release organization. the organization also provides adoption services. For more information on Forgotten Cats, please see www.forgottencats.org. 

In-Reach Heathen Prison Services is a joint effort of The Troth and Distelfink Sippschaft to bring positive materials and messages to incarcerated Heathens. In-Reach also accepts donations of other Pagan materials and distributes them through alliances and partnerships with other Pagan organizations. For more information on In-Reach, please see thetroth.blogspot.com/p/in-reach-program.html.

A detailed list of needed donation items may be found at:

www.philadelphiapaganpride.org/2013/08/donations-info-for-pppd.html. 

Anyone interested in getting involved as a volunteer should contact us by e-mail at:

philadelphiapaganpride@gmail.com. 

For more information, please visit www.philadelphiapaganpride.org.

Events Page

We now have an Pennsylvania Heathens Events page on this site to help Heathens in PA to meet with other Heathens.

Heathen groups are welcomed to post their information here. :)

Oklahoma Tornado Relief Efforts

Expanded info on Oklahoma tornado relief efforts. Thanks to Destiny Ballard of Bifrost Way for this information.

http://thetroth.blogspot.com/2013/05/oklahoma-tornado-relief-efforts.html

Pagan Night Out

The Philadelphia Pagan Pride Day Organizers are holding a Pagan Night Out (PNO) on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the A-Space in West Philly. A donation of $10 is requested at the door and will go towards Philadelphia Pagan Pride Day expenses.

The PNO will feature a silent auction of items donated by community members.

A-Space Community Center

4722 Baltimore Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19143

6:30 PM

http://www.meetup.com/PhiladelphiaPPD/events/111972302/

Thank you!

Central PA HeathenCon 2014

Planning for Central PA HeathenCon 2014 is already under way!

Due to the growth of the event over the last two years, we are considering moving to a larger location, such as a different hotel or a state park.

Folks who wish to get involved are invited to submit a request to Join the Facebook Group.

Central PA HeathenCon 2013

Central PA HeathenCon is fast approaching! 

This is the first year in which we will have workshops and discussions added into our schedule. Our preliminary agenda is as follows:

Central Pennsylvania HeathenCon

Northland Motel and Northland Bowl

1521 Martin Street

State College, PA  16803

February 22-February 24, 2013

FRIDAY

AFTERNOON: Arrival

6:00 PM - Dinner Out

8:00 PM - Land-taking Blot/Sege (led by Hearth of Yggdrasil)

Night - Free Time

SATURDAY (All workshops in Meeting Room at Northland Bowl)

8:00 AM - Breakfast Out

10:00 AM - Blot/Sege (Northland Bowl Meeting Room)

10:30 AM - Re-enactment and Experimental Archaeology in Heathenry - Annie of Kindred of Mann

12:00 PM - Lunch In

1:00 PM - Braucherei in the Urglaawe Context Discussion - Rob of Distelfink Sippschaft

2:30 PM - Introduction to Traditional Poetry - Eirik of Hearth of Yggdrasil

4:00 PM - Round Table Discussion - Jo and Jeff of Hearth of Yggdrasil

6:00 PM - Dinner Out

Evening - Relaxation and Free Time

10:00 PM - Nachtsege/Blot led by Distelfink Sippschaft

SUNDAY

8:00 AM  - Breakfast Out

10:00 AM - Closing Blot/Sege led by Community

11:00 AM - Checkout

Central PA HeathenCon

This date is scheduled  for another Central PA HeathenCon in State College!

Friday, March 2 through Sunday, March 4, 2012!

Northland Motel: 1521 Martin Street, State College, PA.

http://www.meetup.com/asatru-249/events/45772872/

This is not really a "Con," per se; the goal is to get together and to have fun playing board games, bowling, socializing, sharing horns/steins, etc.

We all stayed at the Northland Motel, which has 16 inexpensive rooms and a bowling alley on site. We'll be at the same location again.

Description from Denise:

What it is: Just us getting together at this motel with a bowling alley attached.  We hang out, eat, play games, maybe go bowling, and just generally have a good time together.  We will have a blot, nothing too elaborate, but a chance for us all to give our thoughts and anything we want to offer to the Gods.  We’ll talk about whatever we feel like and have as much fun as we can squeeze into the weekend.

This is a relaxed event where we try to just foster good friendships in our community and give ourselves a fun but kinda cheep weekend away. Winter won’t be quite over yet, but by the beginning of march I think most of us are ready to get out of the house and have fun for a few days.

I just called the Motel and the room rates are $55 a night for a room with two double beds.  Everyone should call and book their own rooms.  If you want a roommate, post to the list here and see who else wants one.

I’ll post more info on things as Rob and I decide on stuff, like who’s room we are doing what in and when…

I look forward to seeing as many folks as can make it!