Wheel of Wonder May 30, 2010

The Sunday before Memorial Day. Well, this Sunday before Memorial Day on Wheel of Wonder, I'll share a story and a bit of information of a Spirit's Journey on the Warrior Path. I may not necessarily see the purpose of War in the 21st Century, but I do respect those committing their lives to such a path. Let us just remember those brave enough to fight for Peace without killing are Warrior Spirits too.

Wheel of Wonder May 23, 2010

Gaia Theory: Where science and magic meets. This week on Wheel of Wonder Gaia is exactly what we'll be speaking of. What is gaia, in that place where science and belief meet? According James Lovelock, the scientist who first proposed the Gaia Hypothesis, now often referred to as the Gaia Theory "Most of us sense that the Earth is more than a sphere of rock with a thin layer of air, ocean and life covering the surface. We feel that we belong here as if this planet were indeed our home. Long ago the Greeks, thinking this way, gave to the Earth the name Gaia or, for short, Ge. In those days, science and theology were one and science, although less precise, had soul. As time passed this warm relationship faded and the life sciences, no longer concerned with life, fell to classifying dead things and even to vivisection. Now at last there are signs of a change. Science becomes holistic again and rediscovers soul, and theology, begins to realise that Gaia is not to be subdivided for academic convenience and that Ge is much more than just a prefix for Geology and Geography." (from the writings on his website; see the entire statement here) All scientific theorem begin with a hypothesis which when proven through observable facts becomes a theory. This theory is based on the idea that the biomass self-regulates the conditions on the planet to make its physical environment (in particular temperature and chemistry of the atmosphere) on the planet more hospitable to the species that constitute its "life." Life supporting life, so much like a function of spirit. Indeed what other function does spirituality (not dogma) serve? Though of course, even though I'll be speaking of Gaia Theory and quoting some of the work of James Lovelock and others, as you would expect we will still have much music this week on Wheel of Wonder!

The picture above is one of the amazing creations of British artist Josephine Wall. Please visit her gallery its worth it.

Wheel of Wonder May 16, 2010

Taivaannaula! This unique word is Finnish for Finnish paganism, which is what this episode of Wheel of Wonder will be about. Although, by request we may re-visit some of the Icelandic eddas too! Finland is officially a Lutheran country, but has been recently seeing a resurgence of Finnish pagans. Perhaps do to a book called "Finnish Magic: A nation of Wizards, a World of Spirits." By Robert Nelson? No, not so much. The research put into this book is not considered A-list Quality by most Taivaannaula. In the Finnish Pagan world view you of course have the Animism one would expect, but The Finns believe each person has several souls, or soul selves. These break down into the life force, the "ego" or concept of self, and the persons guardian spirit, which was also attached to the person and their soulselves, sometimes it was even ancestor. The Finnish Pagan family unit seems to include the spirits of the ancestors as well as the people living. There are a few key gods who also occur as characters in the Finnish National Epic The Kalevala. Although unlike The Icelandic Eddas are to the Asatru, the Kalevala is not considered the source for the taivaaanaula. Nonetheless, the cultural impact of the Kalevala has existed through all time that has passed.

We will also hear new mythic music on Wheel of Wonder this week from Värttinä, and Suden Aika (time of the wolves) skilled rune singers. We will also see what we can do about introducing some new tracks by Gjallarhorn. A trip to the bright North, this Sunday on Wheel of Wonder!

The picture above came right off the site Taivaanaula.org

Wheel of Wonder May 2, 2010

HAVE A BLESSED BELTANE! Beltane is an important fire festival celebrating the turning of the year from the cold time to the warm time. Beltane Celebrates Sunshine and Fertility and is a Passionate and Wonderful Holiday. People dance around the Bonfire and celebrate the turning of the year. I hope the music reflects the feelings of the year. The Beltane Broadcast will be included in the Wheel of Wonder Archival project too!