Deoch Mass 11-24-2021 - Counting Blessings

The Eulogy is upon us. That time honored tradition where the many races of Temuair come together to worship an aspect of our Lady Danaan and remember Her sacrifice to seal away Chadul. It is a ceremony so revered that you’ll even see many long lapsed Aislings return to Temuair briefly to take part in the rites.

This is a time of remembrance and thankfulness not only for Danaan but also in our everyday lives. The worlds in which we exist, be they in this dream or otherwise, can be filled with so much darkness that a reminder to take a moment to remember the Light in our lives is a welcome one.

When I look back upon my life here in Temuair, I recognize the many blessings I have been given. I have been a part of three wonderful guilds that have been as family to me. I count a great many Aislings as friends and colleagues, their friendships have made me a better person over time. I have also been fortunate to have found love, perhaps the greatest of all the blessings.

And then there is being blessed with people like all of you here, those who humble me by coming to hear words in Deoch’s temple. Temuair has brought me a wealth of inspiration and been an enrichment of my life, and for that I will always be thankful.

So, what is it that you are thankful for? Take a moment to count the blessings of Light in your life; sometimes just setting aside a moment to do so can put things back into perspective.

Recognize the Light in your life; stave off the darkness that tries so hard to engulf us all. Let this be the lesson we carry forward from this time of Eulogy.

Deoch Mass 11-3-2021 - Temuair's Continued Existence

 

Certainly Temuair has changed in a myriad of ways since the time I was sparked. There are times of reflection when I weep for those bright days of the past, for friends decades missing, and for the culture of the time that helped mold me as a fresh, impressionable Aisling.

From time to time you will come across a voice that will suggest Temuair would have been better off destroyed at the tail end of that golden era rather than be allowed to stagnate for these many decades since. Although I long for the Temuair of my youth, I do not share this profound negativity.

I have ‘returned’ to this land more times than I can remember. Those returns are usually precipitated by a hint of nostalgia, bringing my dreams back to Temuair so I can experience the countless locked away memories of a sentimental old man. I am most grateful for the ability to dream here whenever I wish and experience that rush of emotions once again remembered.

But also, every time I have returned, I find there is still Light here in Temuair. For certain, the days of my youth were as bright as Danaan’s sun. But it would be a mistake to say there is none of that old style ‘Aisling culture’ still beating in Temuair even now. I often find my mind impressed and my heart warmed by those that continue to hold the traditions of old. And even by those who have developed their own new traditions all their own for which they call Temuair ‘home’.

If you find that your memories here in Temuair are worth revisiting someday, consider taking up the mantle of service. Any position, no matter how little, contributes to the greater whole. Or, should your waking mind be too preoccupied to expend such dedication in this dream, then please instead send a ‘thank you’ to those that do take up that mantle.

Thank your political leaders, arena hosts, teachers, members of the Suomi Troupe, contest hosts, knights, and yes even the Rangers. For it is the collective dedication of these people that Temuair continues to exist.

It is my hope that this land will continue to survive into the very distant future. Allowing me to continue reliving old memories and even making a few new ones whenever I desire to dream of Temuair.