r the logs. In another year there was no winter and Paul crossing with his Oxen pulled snow over from Asia across the still frozen Pacific to be able to get the logs down to the mill. When depicted in his colossus size Paul has an unkempt beard that he grows until it interferes with his work combing it with pine trees. When he needs it trimmed a massive amount of shaving cream is applied and his beards hairs are felled like pine trees. When he was very young one theory as to why Paul is so big is that a full moon shone on him when he was in the cradle (a similar story is often attributed to Babe) which had some sort of magic blessing (perhaps from the man in the moon or Mani). His size grew so far his parents would use the lake to rock the infant Paul to sleep, but when angered he rocked so much that the lake overflowed creating swamps in Michigan's upper peninsula. He is also said to have either gotten babe as a child or have found him frozen solid creating his blue color (other reasons for his color is either that Babe ate a certain kind of blue flower or berry, or that the winter of the blue snow turned his coat blue). Paul was also not a fan of fire, this is possibly due to Paul's friend in one of the more down to earth stories having his whole town nearly burned to the ground. Resulting in Paul defending the forest against fires and being extremely paranoid about fires that his crew made. Paul’s finale of sorts differs depending on who you ask and which story you follow. Some say he retired to a lakeside house (Perhaps to the women of the lake he loved so dear), perhaps upon jumping and creating a bay he saw Venus was full of trees and jumped so far he landed there to begin logging. Another says he died of unknown causes and the grief killed Babe. Others say he went north with Babe where the two’s roughhousing created the Northern Lights. Bunyan is many things in the North of the continent. He is a legendary hero for many. A tall tale born of whoppers and jokes for many around a campfire. A virile and rugged man who is a role model for the more wild part of us. He has been depicted as a bumbling oaf, a strong man, a wildman veering on a neanderthal like visage, a giant of the woods, a continent shifting demigod, a caring husband, and a devoted leader. The Yankees, French-canadians and various Europeans who came through his camp were forged into Americans under his tutelage. As the country expanded and headed west so did Paul, becoming the spirit of Manifest destiny alongside Columbia. His continent shifting, tree felling, mountain making, and lake filling actions seem to make him almost a personification of the Laurentide ice sheet that once covered north America and built much of the landscape and topography we now know today and also filled in the Bering land bridge creating the connection between Eurasia and America. He has had many many statues and claims of his birthplace come about. With many of his said statues once proudly displayed throughout the Northern USA disappear under government regulations and the death of small towns. As his legend is torn down and infantilized to sell films and toys. However he still lives in his people man or giant he is an American hero, who has been beloved and honored for over a century. Appearing in films and popular shows such as Gravity falls where a joke even has him prayed too for safety by one character. His name is supposedly derived from “Pawl” a kind of tool that was used in flatboats on rivers to drive logs and lock the steering wheel. Bunyan is derived either from a corruption of the French surname Bon Jean or from a french word for swelling referencing the large and growing size of Bunyan.Now since I find it best to follow things with a question, what is your favorite thing about Paul Bunyan, and do you know any stories yourself?

Merlin, The greatest Magician that ever lived, The Wizard of Britain. Is a mythic figure of Arthurian romance and the matter of Britain. There are many tales of his origins and many theories as to who he could have been had he existed from being a combination of figures such as Myrddin Wylt (Merlinus Caledonensis) and Ambrosius Aurelianus (Merlin Ambrosius) as well as other figures of both history and myth such as Druids and deities such as Woden. Myrddin was a bard and prophet who eventually went mad and left to become a wildman in the woods, while Ambrosius was a powerful warrior and friend to the Celtic king Vortigern. Oddly in some myths involving Merlin, Merlin uses giants to create Stonehenge as a monument for the grave of Ambrosius though this may be a different figure. Merlin was also a wildly varying figure across the centuries. Starting as how own character and eventually becoming more and more integrated into the myths of King Arthur until he was inseparable. Merlin also became more and more Christianized over time going from a sort of Druid/Sorcerer into a literal failed anti-christ with the gift of prophecy. One of the most famous stories of Merlin's birth has to do with his viring mother visited by a kind of spirit (Often considered either an Incubus or some kind of Devil figure) where he was born than baptized in order to not become the downfall of the world. He was eventually sought out to be killed to prevent the destruction of a castle however Merlin showed his prophetic abilities to the king, getting them to dig up a pond and find two jars when they were opened a red dragon and a white dragon flew out and began fighting towards the horizon. Merlin proclaimed the red dragon was Britain while the white was their enemies and they will fight as long as they do. His prophetic powers eventually shifted to become more and more powerful and combine into making Merlin a powerful sorcerer. He became a talented and wise Wizard becoming gifted in shape changing, prophecy, and knowledge. He became known as the prophet of the grail another aspect from Celtic mythology. He took an increasingly important part in the lore of King Arthur. Becoming his caretaker as well as the one who was instrumental in Uther impregnating Igraine. He took care of and taught Arthur in many versions of the story then in a scene reminiscent of Volsung Saga created the Sword in the Stone and caused Arthur to become king of Britain. Merlin had already been well known before this and had interacted with Uther many times. He was the progenitor of the idea of the round table and helped join the people together in peace and harmony in the Utopian Camelot. However despite his many strengths and magics Merlin has a key weakness. His taste in women trended towards the Femme Fatale archetype. Such as the Lady of the Lake, Vivian a fairy princess, or Morgan le Fae. He was the teacher to all three of these women and depending on the tale which betrays him and how varies too wildly to list them all here. So I will focus more on the specific way it seems to go and some possible resting places for where he is either sleeping or dead. He is typically tricked into teaching magic to them until they have surpassed him and then trapped or killed by their newfound powers. These places are typically either within the lands of Wales or Brittany. They include Merlin's Mound in Wiltshire, Merlin's oak which is sadly no longer standing, a tower of air that appears as crystal, a cave or even a tree. Often these places are set within the enchanted forest of Brocéliande. Where Merlin is often said to be waiting to be freed once more. Merlin is one of the most well known figures of European myth, far surpassing even most well known members of the gods. He is the embodiment of the archetype of the sorcerer and has continued to influence popular culture to this day. From books and movies to fairy tales and even the common image of a wizard can be traced to Merlin. What do you think of Merlin? Have you heard tell of him before?

The Triquetra: The Triquetra is a Pan European symbol (Though typically considered Celtic) that means many things. To me and those within my group our general view of this symbol is that of the European balance symbol. The Triquetra is made up of the interlocking parts of three circles (Spheres) and a circle where they all meet. This references many things such as the triple goddess or in an example of appropriated pagan symbolism the “Trinity” in Christianity. An example of how this symbol could be seen as one circle or sphere is that of the “Male/Masculine/Man’s Sphere” of influence and culture, The second “The Feminine/Female/Woman’s Sphere” of influence and culture. With the last and third being the exception or third balance side the “Childs/Youths/Non-adult Sphere” of culture and influence. As a people are not balanced just by male and female but also the continuation of a people and as children are neither truly men or women they fall into this third balance point. Other examples include “Spirit/Mind/Body”, “Day/Night/Dusk and dawn” “Male/Female/Hermaphrodite” “Birth/Life/Death and Rebirth” Even in situations of duality there is an exception that proves the rule. This exemplifies a key point of european spiritual balance. Three Points, it is not a duality but a trio of points. A good simile for this would be a spinning plate with three stones on it. If the stones are too heavy in one spot the plate will tip over in the case of “MindBody/spirit” Examples of this extreme would be the Weak pimply nerd (Mind), The Meathead Jock (Body), or the Wiccans stereotype of the blue haired overweight individual “Working with” around 15 goddesses who claim they can spontaneously give birth by sheer will power (Spirit). As we are a people of extremes switching between one extreme and the next this reminder of our need to balance all aspects is key to a sort of health and balanced life. Lest we fall into extremes, though there is one caveat it is unwise to become completely balanced or the plate will stop spinning and entropy sets in. We are always striving to grow and as such keep on spinning in life to become better than we are. Where these three aspects/points meet is contained in the final circle the place where all three meet, The Triquetra.

The story of Wotjek (Voytek): this beautiful story is the tale of a bear who served in the polish military. While in Iran polish soldiers bought and took in a small orphan bear cub who they named Wotjek, which meant happy warrior. Wotjek would go on to bond with his human brothers in arms as they fed him condensed milk from a vodka bottle, before Wotjek grew fond of cigarettes and beer often sitting at the campfire or wrestling with his human companions. He would sleep with the men in their quarters and learned to salute, smoke, and March on two legs with the men. Eventually in order to bring Voytek further with them they enlisted him in the polish military as a private. Eventually during an important battle Wotjek took it upon himself to lift what normally took 4 men in weight of ammo shells and brought the boxes to aid his brothers in the middle of a battle and firefight. For this he was promoted to Corporal. A bear holding an artillery shell became the symbol of his company. However when his company was disbanded the men were forced to leave Voytek in a Scottish zoo. He died years later visited often by the men who viewed him as an older brother. Statues were built in his honor that have been visited by those who hear his story and those who loved him most. While not a "pagan" story this is a story I felt important. And it is a story of our people, rest well Happy Warrior may the bear emperor treat you well. I hope to write more on this soon

Lady Liberty the beautiful Colossus of America. Her form and function descends from the Roman goddess Libertas but as her destiny became further entwined with America she took upon herself new names, Lady Liberty, Columbia, and "the angel of liberty" she became not only the personification of liberty but also of America herself as Columbia. She stood shoulder to shoulder with the minutemen, strode next to the pioneers in their manifest destiny fought near all those who died in wars, free of shackles her hopes and goals were sent into the hearts and dreams of Washington. Draped in old glory armed with a sword and a smile Lady Liberty stands proud before her people. She has unfortunately been used to continually push the very issues and propaganda that brought us where we are today. But never forget where she started in the hearts and dreams and spirit of our people yearning to breathe free in the pursuit of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

Nike, also known in Rome as Victoria is the goddess of the Greeks who governed Victory. She also had control over speed and strength and decided the victors of battles, events, and any other form where a Victor could be crowned. She was considered the only winged goddess in Greek mythology and often carried a sword and a laurel wreathe or at times a torch. She fought with the Olympians both in the Titanomachy and the Gigantomachy as a result of her aid with Typhon she is often depicted in statues of Zeus or Athena as being in their right hand. She was so beloved and worshipped that when Christianity took over she was Christianized and made angelic which eventually evolved to the angels “winged victories” that appear in Europe. Nike's association with victory was so sought after that even Zeus would try to win her favor and to this day she is placed in places in order to achieve Victory as Zeus promised long ago that she would live forever. The ornament on a Rolls Royce car is of Nike, the popular shoe brand Nike takes its name from her and even the Olympic medals to this day carry an image of her on the back. Statues of the goddess dot the landscape from Berlin all the way to Georgia and even beyond Europe. Many names have descended from Nike such as Nicholas, Nicola, Nikita, Nicolai, Victoria, Victor, Nicole, Ike and many more. She is the daughter of Pallas and Styx and the sister to her three brothers Bia, Kratos, and Zelos her grandfather was considered to be Poseidon though since her parents are both Titans this is odd, in another version she is the daughter of Ares. In the latter period of Greek antiquity Nike became to intertwined with Athena as to be considered another aspect of Athena. What is Victory to you?  What are some goals you hope to achieve in life and be Victorious? 

The Hearth Part 1/3: It's been a common stereotype of our women especially online for them to have closets full of candles. Different shapes, sizes, scents. It's been the butt of many a punchline, but they seem to just do it, and when we just do something there is usually something deeper, something innate. Maybe, just maybe it's a memory of the eternal flame. Our women for thousands of years kept a flame going both for the spiritual purpose of the Hearth, but also for the practicality in a time without matches or lighters a quick fire could be the difference between life or death. Every frostbitten babe, every hungry mouth, every small burn while learning to cook, every candle by the window to lead us home, every lantern lit for the spirits of kin long gone. In every chilly night and dark winter the fire was there, they tended it for years innumerable. That doesn't go away so easily, it leaves a mark deep in the souls of people. Especially the keepers of the flame. All the homemade cookies, or scent of wood in the stove, every healing tincture and every warmth and light a story was told by. They were there with the fire, their fire. Something like that is not to be mocked it is to be lauded in a time of darkness we find them reaching once more for the light, for the scents of home of pine, and autumn leaves, of fresh baked pie and sheets in the wind. Most of us have so little of a home, in the very blood of our women they try to make a little magic and warmth, without even thinking about it. How much more noble an instinct could you witness? This has been part 1 of 3 To be continued...

The Hearth Part 2/3: The Hearth is the heart of the home, its light and warmth enveloped many a shivering child and warmed many a meal for a family. The fire was safety it was warmth and comfort, it was home. From this most basic tenant the home could be built. The fire expanded stewarded by our women kept burning, sacral and holy yes, but sweet and homey as well. To this day clustered around a fires light stories are told, food is roasted, and a family is made. The fire expands from mother to daughter from family to clan to all our people. Its heat bakes bread, and warms stew, it comes upon our stoves as much as our fireplaces. It is where memories are made, it is the light in the window to lead us home, it is the memories of holidays and the place where secrets and gifts are passed mother to child. The warmth of more fires than stars in the sky have been made by our women their tender touch taking the harsh wildness of the flames and keeping them as nourishing embers. The women brought the flames and gave them a home, she tamed them as beauty doth tame the beast. Its sharp edges kept but kept sheathed for its talents becomes only truly harnessed in the gifts it gives the home, its home as much as ours. The Hearth was brought from the woman to the man as she gifted him the fire for his forge so he too could create, and honor her gift and his people. From the darkest nights campfires in caves and longhouses, to a snow covered mountain where the hot chocolate is spooned into cups for wide eyed children. The Hearth is still the heart, nurtured and tended by the one who makes the home. This has been part 2 of 3 Finale tomorrow......

The Hearth Part 3/3: One of the most well known, widespread, and beloved goddesses is the one who embodies the Hearth and home. Brigid, Hestia, Vesta, Matergabia, Gabija, Frigg, and more. These goddesses are embodied in the Hearth tended by our women since memory began. Perhaps they are the flame themselves? Or perhaps long ago in the dark of night they were the first women of the people to bring nourishing flame and embolden their kin with a home and a place to fight for, banishing the chill? Perhaps this was an ancestor, perhaps it was the goddesses incarnate. Who exactly they were matters less than who they are. The feel of welcome of the holidays, the warmth and heart of the home, the build up of warmth in the very hearts of our people, that emanates from within and warms our very blood. The light in the dark, the warmth in the snow, the longing for home when far away. In the warmth of the love for our people, in the memories of fresh baked bread, and the heat from the fire on a cold winters night. She has never left us even when the flame itself is ashes the fire continues within ourselves burning bright as our women from long long ago in the dark of the night brought an ember forth and lit a light and that fire burned within our minds and hearts, in memories and dreams. It burns in all of us tended and nurtured by our women, the stewards of the eternal flame both the one that burns without and the one within. This is the Hearth goddess, this is their importance, deeper than we can imagine, beloved even by those who forget their names and faces. We know them, our women embody them and express them even when they do not realize it. They are the Hearth, they are the heart, they are the home.

Live now

Bearskin is a fairy tale collected by the brothers Grimm. It tells the story of a discharged soldier without options who comes upon "the devil in a green coat" who tests him by summoning a bear which is quickly dispatched by the man who would then be known as "Bearskin" is offered unlimited money and wealth that comes from the devils coat that is given to bearskin. However he is also made to wear the skin of the bear and not wash or trim any part of his body for seven years. If he fails his soul is the devils. As the years go by bearskin gets hairier and dirtier until he is often mistaken for a bear, often relying on the devils gold to find lodging such even in the stables. In one such case he meets a man with three daughters who is in dire need of funds or he will be ruined. He aids the man and is rewarded with the hand of his daughter. The two older daughters reject him, but the youngest agrees. Bearskin gives her half a ring and swears to return when his seven years are up. The youngest daughter dresses in mourning and is mocked by her sisters. Bearskin is washed and groomed after he completes his seven years and returns for his bride which he shows who he is with the other half of the ring. They are happily married and the older sisters die by their hands. To which the devil is pleased for getting two souls instead of one.

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"The devil in a green coat" is likely a memory of a horned hunting god such as Holler or Ewicher Yeeger. While the whole ordeal of bearskin seems a likely christianized story of a berserker and/or warrior trial. The bear is somewhat demonized a common tactic while covering stories. This is also an odd depiction of the bearskin motif as in folklore a bearskin often causes complete transformation until removed, sort of like a curse.

Ziva, also known as Zhiva, Siwe, Siwa, Zhibog Siva, Sieba, Razivia, Sifka, Sifa and more. Is a Slavic goddess associated with life, light and fertility. She also governs the transference of energy and can help people get over depression and become full of energy. Similar to Mokosh, Ziva can help with childbirth. However Ziva differs in that she has far more focus on land fertility. Being associated highly with Orchards and wheat. With some of the oldest depictions of her being naked and holding a golden apple that glows in her hands. Similar to Idunn with her imagery being tied into Eve (Weird I know) due to the similarity. Ziva is more prominent in Western Slavic countries while Mokosh is more prominent in Eastern. Though they both appear in the Balkans. With Ziva even having had a temple that stood at Lake Bled in Slovenia upon the Isle of Bled. A church was built over her temple where her priests wore horns as a symbol of their commitment. Similar to Mokosh she was blended into the Worship of Mary. One of the oddest things about Ziva is how far her range was from far east to West into Germany and possibly worshipped by some Germanic tribes. With her names varying to a point very similar to Sif. Making it possible that similar to Hel, Svetovid, Baldr, and Othin she may have been part of the blending as the two sets of cultures met or diverged. However it is just as likely they are similarly named due to linguistic similarities in those areas. Being two possibly related but different goddesses. Still she is an interesting example of a borderland goddess. Many people still have variations on Ziva and Zhiva s their last names perhaps a call back to this goddess. Her name means “Living, Being, Existing” or “Life God” Which notably does differ from Sif's “In-Law”. However it ties into her ties to life. She is said to be daughter of Rod or Svarog and a sibling to Morana, Vesna, Lada, Perun, and wife to Dahzbog in some sources. Where she helps spread his light upon the earth. Despite there being less written about her she is one of the most well known and prominent goddesses of the Slavs and one of the few who can contend with Mokosh for the top spot.