Deoch Mass 11-12-2020 - Redemption

Short words today...

Despite which origin tale you believe, it is certain that Deoch was born of the Darkness. He was a participant in the cruelties and brutality of the Shadows War as an agent of Chadul. Should we have known Deoch then, undoubtedly we would have regarded him as a reprehensible evil; a loathsome creature to be feared, hated, and little else.

And yet... here we stand in Deoch’s Temple. Children born of the Spark, worshipping him for his role in our creation and his rejection of the Darkness.

Think on this growth: an evil god redeemed through actions, then turn to see those who practice and preach evils, both lesser and greater, in the world around us. It is difficult, but understand that not all of these are beyond redemption.

Perhaps nobody, not even a god, deserves true absolution. But it is wise to recognize the good in those that struggle free from past evils. For it is true that a good deed is the first step toward the redemption of an evil man.

That is the path Deoch walked. Believe it true that even mortals are capable of walking the same path.

 

Deoch Mass 10-28-2020

Every age has had its despair about the state of Temuair and doom-saying about the future of the land. I am not immune to such thoughts myself, having felt the nearing of the end many times. But yet, here we still are, quickly approaching the final Deochs of the second century from the birth of the Aisling and the end of Temuair still has yet to approach from the horizon.

Temuair continues to exist because of those who have struggled in the past; each new age bringing new challenges and longer odds. It is another pillar of what defines us as Aislings: the desire to improve an imperfect world.

When Temuair’s time finally comes and no amount of struggle can avoid it, do not mourn her. Give unto Sgrios that which is Sgrios’s gladly. When the sun finally dips below the horizon for the final time, instead rejoice in celebration of what this collective dream has brought to the aether.

Yet, death is not one to be rushed; for it knows that in due time it takes everything. Sgrios is indifferent to a wounded bird. If it is so ordained that the bird must die, then it shall die and be claimed. But until then, shower it with compassion and healing with all due measure as even a bird near the end dreams to soar amongst the heavens yet one last time.

For those that continue to struggle here and now so that this Temuair can fly just a bit longer, we are here today because of you and those like you. Whenever the end does finally arrive, among the celebrated names you will be because of your dedicated Aisling Spirits.

Deoch Mass 10-14-2020 - Crossroads

When Deoch finished The Spark, it ruptured the very fabric of Temuair, allowing dreamers to inhabit a simple Mundane and birth we Aislings. It was an unprecedented event that changed Temuair forever.

We, again, stand at a crossroads of history. Dreamweavers, capable of manipulating the aether of dreamspace, are weaving nascent aspects of Temuair in their own vision. And while they have plenty of work ahead before they materialize in full, progress is being made.

You could find yourself thinking that this spells doom for the land that we currently stand and that a united Temuair will be forever lost among the shattered shards of a diminished whole. The future, as always, is unclear. I do not see -this- Temuair as hopeless as some others do, but I do recognize and feel the same desire to awaken in a Temuair that inspires like it did in younger days.

There is value in the experience this land has accumulated; after all, that experience -- for better and worse -- influences the work of future weavers. But for all its maturity, this Temuair risks permanent stagnation if it refuses to improve itself -- an accusation levied by many.

But I’m not here to pass judgement on the choices dreamers make as to what Temuair they awaken to. I stand in awe of the dreamweavers and their passion to chase the golden age of their mind's eye. And I also applaud those Aislings that even now hold faith and work tirelessly toward the improvement of this existing land.

It is a unified spirit working toward different aims. The love and appreciation for Temuair and the people it has brought into our lives. Wherever the future bring us, in this Temuair or another, I hope you work toward the betterment of all. We are a community. One that only improves when the best of us step forward.

Deoch Mass 10/7/2020 - The Bounty of Temuair

 
It is an honor to stand here, giving praise to Deoch once again. 

I last stood at the head of this temple nearly a cycle ago now. It wasn’t my intention when I stepped outside this hall that evening not to step back in anytime soon. I wish I could say that my long absence was part of some grand design… but it was not.

For a time I lost Temuair; my dreams instead walked the darkness. So many times I preached self-care from this very spot only to not heed my own words. Even with the best of intentions, we can all slip.

There have been many instances since my first awakening that I have lost my connection to this dream. But they were not prompted by a lack of fulfilment. On the contrary, while in Temuair I have formed a great many friendships, been humbled by dedicated congregations, and… most dear to my heart… been blessed to have loved; surely the rarest and most joyful of feats.

You will find that people come and go from Temuair for many sorts of reasons. No doubt all of us have friends that no longer walk among us. When you think of people that used to walk Temuair, there are two things I ask of you; they are things I must often ask of myself.

First, find it within yourself not to cast aspersions on those who are no longer among us. Through it all, this realm is but a temporary home. If another dream calls them away, that is the path they must follow whatever their reasons may be. Love those with us while they are here and remember well and fondly all those that have drifted elsewhere in the aether.

And, the other: do not carry the weight of blame on your shoulders for those who have gone. I have come to know very well the brand of emotion that goes with thinking you have let others down. From thinking ‘I could have done more’ or ‘If only I would have been there’.

To the grieving mind, there is a thought that this kind of mental penance of self blame is appropriate. It is not. Whatever circumstances the past holds, it is forever the domain of time passed. Whatever missteps you believe you have made are a chance for a better self and a brighter future; but that all begins with forgiving your guilt and looking forward.

These days I spend a lot of time dreaming here thinking back on friends and family I no longer get to see. For those of us that return time and time again, that is our lot in life. In older times I might despair in these moments of reflection but now I see and understand that Temuair has lavished a bounty upon me during my life here and that is something to be remembered fondly with thanks, not distress.

Wherever it is my spirit travels in the future, the memories of my life here and the very real feelings I have had for so very many people… I will carry them with me forever. I do hope that you, too, have been fortunate enough to have found such everlasting bonds during your time in Temuair.

If not, there is still time. Until the very end, there will always be time.