Deoch Mass 2-20-2019

It is a pleasure to stand here, giving praise to Deoch once again.

May you embrace that which makes you an Aisling, the gift of Deoch and the Inspiration that you have fostered within yourself.

Soon, I will start giving this mass every double-moon ((every Wednesday starting on March 6th)) at the same time you are here now. Back a long time ago, this was the standard schedule for masses all over Temuair. At one point, across the eight faiths, there were more than twenty masses every double moon… it is almost hard to imagine but it is indeed true! So much inspiration and wisdom flowed from the Temples back in those days.

Things have been bleak for the religious temples in Temuair for quite some time. But, just as the light endures through the darkness, the Temples have endured and now are making a comeback. It is not just I starting a regular mass time, but priests from Fiosachd and Luathas have announced their intentions as well; there have also been rumblings from the sleeping giant that is Glioca temple. Regardless of what religion you belong to, I encourage everyone to attend these masses and refresh yourself in the creativity of these dedicated priests.

In preparation of once again holding this regular mass, these are the things I try and keep in mind

Inspiration cannot be faked. When something begs to be said, the words will flow like the ink to the paper. This process cannot be forced, people will know just as the reader who sees writing created with too little ink. The words will not be as bold; not as complete.

It is inevitable that there will be times when the ink well is empty; like inspiration has left you. When this happens -- and it will happen -- know a simple truth: you must be inspired in order to inspire others. As I talked about at my last mass, the inspiration and creativity within us is not an ever flowing wellspring. It cannot be used endlessly and recklessly. Just like our bodies, it requires replenishment or else it will grow dry and empty.

So, what is it that inspires you?

For me, it is a combination of things old and things new. I often think about friends I have made during my long time in Temuair and I reflect on the things they taught me. And if I’m not in a reflecting mood, I enjoy the creative spirit of others that continue to inhabit Temuair: the work of the Suomi Troupe, teachers at the college, and the priests attempting to revive their temples.

Whatever it may be, find what inspires you and drink it in, replenish your own creativity, that which makes you an Aisling. So that you may do the same for others. That is how we rebuild this community -- together.

Go forward and spread the word of Deoch. Mass is cast.

(Words as written, not as delivered)

Deoch Mass 2-6-2019

It is a pleasure to stand here, giving praise to Deoch once again.

May you embrace that which makes you an Aisling, the gift of Deoch and the Inspiration that you have fostered within yourself.

Deoch was a being born of pure Darkness. Cunning was Deoch, the servant of Chadul. He did not serve on the front lines of battle; instead, as a god of Debauchery, Deoch was used to entice people to the side of Darkness; make them willing and eager servants of the Dark. In this way, Deoch was much more powerful a weapon than the regular Dubhamid who conquered through fear, terror, and destruction.

We do not know how many for certain, but we can surmise that many, many people experienced torturous service and fates worse than death because of actions that Deoch had taken. Some might say -- indeed, I would say -- that Deoch was a terrible and loathsome monster. Truly deserving of high ranking among the armies of Chadul.

But the full story of Deoch teaches us one important truth. Even in Deoch, a creature born of pure darkness responsible for the deaths and enslavement of countless lives, there is redemption.

At a mass a while back I told the tale of how Deoch found Danaan, his mortal enemy, alone and vulnerable. He remained in hiding, but continued to watch. Bathed in the Light of Danaan; Deoch, had his first true choice and that choice was to shed his shackles to Chadul and forsake his servitude to him.

When Deoch stepped forward to finish the work on the Aisling Spark that Danaan left behind, He created us with the ability to choose, much like he did when he cast off his servitude to Chadul. Unlike Mundanes whose lives are predetermined, we Aislings have our own free will to determine our own destinies.

When deeds and actions are done through control, nothing is gained or lost. But when someone chooses their own path and their own action, that impact changes everything.

This is the lesson Deoch learned and he passed it on in his creation of us.

Every time we make a choice, just as he did, to turn away from the Darkness… that Darkness grows weaker. Through our ability to choose, we Aislings have largely been a tide of Light against the Dark. Not because we have to; but because we choose to.

In this way, my friends, we are the Redemption of Deoch. For all the suffering, grief, and pain that Deoch caused as a servant of Chadul; Deoch, our co-creator, is redeemed through our actions.

Let us think on this as we go about our lives these next set of moons.


Go forward and spread the word of Deoch. Mass is cast.

(Remarks as written not as delivered.)

Deoch Mass 1-23-2019

It is a pleasure to stand before all of you, giving praise to Deoch once again.
I have asked someone to give the opening prayer today. Kurei?


Kurei's Prayer:
Deoch, Lord of our spark
Leads us into the light
Lead us to be filled with lihgt
Lead the light of Danaan to all


I have been a part of Temuair for a long, long time. But after the seventieth Deoch or so I haven’t always been a contributing part... more of a watcher that would occasionally awaken to take stock in Temuairian society for a time and then go into extended slumber again.

Sometimes, I would be greeted by familiar faces and it warmed my heart to know that fragments of the past still lingered. But more often than not, I found a society struggling for meaning and direction.

It was just over a cycle ago now that I last left the lands for an extended period of time. I left people who had drive and grand plans for the religious spirit and Temuarian society; people who were passionate about making great change and I felt like they might actually accomplish it at the rate they were going!

But, many Deochs later, I once again dreamed in Temuair, and something was missing.

Many of those Aislings who had been so full of drive and so headstrong to make a difference in Temuair were missing. One of the only familiar faces I recognized at the time was Sgrios Priestess Paramour. I expressed my shock and she explained what I had missed in the handful of Deochs I had been gone.

Let me offer a word of caution to those of you who would try and do too much too quickly.

The gift of Deoch, inspiration, is a fountain that springs from deep within our sparks. But do not mistake a replenishing resource for one that is endless. Draw upon it too much, too quickly and you will find that the reservoir has gone dry; damaged by over-extension and now replenishing much more slowly than before. And although you may have been inspired to grand design; do not fastidiously follow a path that demands you forgo the basics of self-care. For damaging the container of the inspiration can be as harmful as depleting it.

Do not fall into the trap of thinking you need to do everything yourself. Be measured and steady in your own endeavors and make time to bask in the creativity of those around you, for the spring of inspiration flowing from others is an excellent replenishment to our own. In this way, you can very much reap what you sow.

As time has gone on since I reawakened, I have sensed the reawakening of the Aisling Spirit. I have met many new people --and reconnected with old ones -- who are excited about the prospects of working to revitalize Temuair.

It is my hope that we will do great things. Continue our work to revitalize a community that has sometimes floundered in direction and inspiration. But do not forget to take care. I know all too well the urge toward contribution, but I also well know the penalties of trying to do too much.

Go forward and spread the word of Deoch. Mass is cast.






(words as written, not as delivered)

Deoch Mass 12-26-2018

It is a pleasure to stand here, giving praise to Deoch once again.

May you embrace that which makes you special, the gift of Deoch and the Inspiration that you have fostered within yourself.

I wanted to hold one last mass before the ending of yet another cycle, to celebrate our continued time within Temuair as a community of Aislings.

I want you to think about the time you have spent walking Temuair in this cycle. About the new faces you have encountered, about the friendships you have made. Those memories and those feelings that wouldn’t have otherwise been made. Know that you have been enriched and have enriched other’s lives in this community in an intangible way that only you could have done in your own unique way.

Remember, too, those that have came before. Those you did not see these past eight Deochs. Although they are not with us, let them occupy your minds during this time of remembrance. The memories you have made together and the feelings that you shared. Wither you know it or not, those moments from the past are important because they are a thread in the tapestry you have weaved during your time in Temuair. Vital is the past as it has helped up build the future that is today.

Go into the new cycle thinking about the future of Temuair. Think about what you can do to help regrow our community and think about what you can add to your own unique contribution to the legacy of Aisling kind that as had many thousands of contributions over the many cycles to date.

That is my simple message for the ending of this cycle. I look forward to being with you all in the next cycle; let us continue to shine the Spark in the cycle to come.

Let us be thankful for one another and for this gathering place. Let us look to Deoch, and one another, for guidance in the upcoming cycle.

(remarks as written, not as delivered)

Deoch Mass 12-19-2018

It is a pleasure to stand here, giving praise to Deoch once again.
May you embrace that which makes you special, the gift of Deoch and the Inspiration that you have fostered within yourself.

Just some short thoughts for today:

We Aislings were created with our own free will. Powerful and influential as they are, we are not the playthings of the gods of Temuair. When we gather in worship of one of these gods, we gather of our own volition; not out of fear or obligation but out of reverence and appreciation.

Although Deoch had a hand in creating the Spark and thus has contributed to every one of us Aislings; He does not demand or expect our unwavering devotion to him, nor do the other Temuarian gods.

I know there is some lamentation about how the majority of Aislings don’t feel it necessary to engage with the temples. Even I, on occasion, have fallen to these feelings at times.

But I say unto you: just as Deoch does not demand our worship of him so too should we not demand it of others. Those who want to engage in worship with us will find their way here regardless of the obstacles thrown in their way.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking thinking us greater Aislings than those who have never stepped into a temple. We must resist the subtext of antagonism in our minds and the temptation to become an insular group. If there is one duty you should feel as a member of any temple, it is the duty to be as welcoming and accommodating as you are able to Aislings of any type: be they regulars at mass or those on the verge of taking their first steps. Foster an atmosphere of welcoming and encourage others to expand their horizons in Temuair without judgement and Deoch will smile upon you.

(remarks as written, not as delivered)

Deoch Mass 12-5-2018

It is a pleasure to stand before all of you, giving praise to Deoch once again.

There is always talk of how the Spark is fading from Temuair. With every passing cycle, the regret of Aislings about the stagnation of our society grows larger and larger. Remembering the days of my youth; yes, it is undeniable that things _feel_ different in Temuair. Yes, there are fewer Aislings with each passing cycle…

But even in these late Deochs, I still come across Aislings whose Sparks are just as bright as the poetic Omner, the pious Deksar, the esoteric Estara, and the artistic Bentic.

Should one of these or countless other legendary Aislings ever awaken in front of you; hold your head high! Your spark is no different than theirs. You are an Aisling! Chosen for the gift of Danaan delivered by Deoch’s flame for a purpose that only you yourself can comprehend.

Do not long for the old days and the old ways, for they are not coming back no matter how much you may wish it. Remember them fondly if you were there. If you were not, then eagerly hear the stories about your Aisling forebears and learn the lessons they have left behind. But do not mourn for them.

Being here today, you are an Aisling that continues to Dream in Temuair. And because of that you have the ability to shape the future how you want it to be.

If all is disappointment than we might as well go the way of Hy-Brasyl let a giant wave roll over Temuair to drown everything so that we may get it over with already!!

After talking with many Aislings these past few Deochs, I do not feel any of us are resigned to drowning beneath the waves. As I said at the start, I am always finding new Sparks full of life and energy that gives me so much hope for the future. It is because of these people that I still stand here today. It is because of people like this that the legacy of Temuair will continue to grow. Those that no longer Dream of Temuair have made their contribution, there is still time for you to make yours.

Go forward and spread the word of Deoch. Mass is Cast.


(Remarks as written not as delivered)

Deoch Mass 11-21-2018

It is a pleasure to stand here, giving praise to Deoch once again. Thank you all for joining me.

It is around this time in the cycle that I start to think about our rebirth. Aside from those few born as Asilings from Aisling parents, the majority of us lived lives as Mundanes before the Spark was gifted to us. Not to insult my Mundane acquaintances *motions toward the temple attendant*, but that life was one of singular focus and purpose. It is the life of a straight line, where variation is an aberration. It is a simple life where one can be quite content, indeed, but yet, it is just that... a simple life.

When we were given the Aisling Spark, we were reborn anew into a different kind of life. A life of color where there had previously only been black and white; a life where imagination not only exists in our hearts... it becomes the driver for our daily lives.

Think back to when you first opened your eyes as an Aisling. Do you remember how vivid the world seemed to you? Can you recall how it felt to have your mind open to possibilities you had never considered before? What did you first do when you stepped out into the light on that first day? I distinctly remember stumbling my way through Mileth, my senses overloaded in my new form. In those first breaths as an Aisling, there were times when I almost fell over and closed my eyes to these new sensations, but someone caught me during my stumbles and showed me all the possibilities now ahead of me. He would go on to become my mentor: Casiell.

Aisling rebirth can be a confusing a difficult time. So many questions and thoughts in your mind that had never been there before. Luckily for me, I found someone willing to show me what it means to be an Aisling. And here I am, a century and a half later, still walking Temuair.

Although it is much more rare now, remember that there are still new Sparks being reborn that could use someone to show them what it means to be an Aisling. If you happen walk by one, offer them your hand, be their guiding light in that confusing time. Remember, the future of this world will reflect upon what we have sown in the next generation. It is by the grace of our mentors that we are even here today as a community, we must pay our mentors back in kind by doing the same to others and continuing on the legacy of Aisling kind.

Go forward and spread the word of Deoch. Mass is cast.


(remarks as written, not as delivered)