Old Bill Wan Kenobi

The countdown to action for the cause saw me initially encouraged. To join in with the ranks of what could be said Jedi, as bastions of fairness against a Government empire which leans towards that of the Masters of Punishment (or as they are commonly known - MPs) and a community of high wage earners, the pay, social standing and class divide widens.
The media however seems none too favourable, and there is not as much public support as I feel should be expected – one can only feel that the PR machine is not as strong as one would hope, and the message that Pensions apply to all is not at all prominent, along with the point that MP and other decision makers have their own retirement packages ‘ring fenced’ – I sigh and begin to feel disappointment.
A midweek break allowed me to spend a day with my Granddaughter of 18 months, how quickly they grow, learn and develop. Seeing her embrace activity with relish, gives me mind to include her in the early learning education of participation, that of making change and not just watching and living with it. Like many, I’m not financially rich or have professional skills to pass on to my children/grandchildren, though what I can relate by deed, along with design is the installation of principles and conviction for just cause. Actions along with words result in progress – and indeed development.
Friday saw a Branch meeting to discuss the plan for next Wednesday.
Negotiations in order to resolve the national issue of pensions seemed to have hit an impasse and we are going for a day of action which will see Trade Unions in unison to unite, and a national strike is on!
It was; as we pointed out a belated time for preparations, and a rushed strategy which seemed much more reactive than pro-active. As an Arien Olde Hippie, I found the constraints that were told to me going against the grain of my principles.
As I listened to the arguments of those who ‘tried to’ tell me that I could only help those within the circle of membership and deny others the benefits that my experience and knowledge that would allow them assistance, I started to feel a degree of exclusion from the main core.
I came away from the meeting in muse, and started to think of my own personal strategy, standing up for my principles and conviction of conscience, after all what good is a knight without their heart.
As others work together within a cliché; that I feel will see resentment, I will endeavour to represent those within the fold whilst affording help to all in need without of the grouping. Though it has often been said I’m a bit of a rebel within a rebellion (or without a cause) – as Obi wan Kenobi was in his own way, I guess that’s a tag I will be labelled with – either that, or a Lone Ranger alone = “C’est la vie”

Being out of step is cool

A week when I am disappointed in the way work puts the emphasis on figures and not fact. As a record keeper by profession, I find that when the targets imposed, are based on identifying only the anomalies that are acknowledged by automotive recognition and not human experience, does not sit well, and is; I feel fundamentally wrong. In order to hit a target that is based on an expectancy of reliability and not a calculation of judgement, will see errors of consequence that many just do not see. I guess it’s my Fool on the hill self-analysis. Having said that however, being out of step with everyone else means that one sees, hears and feels that witch others do not (have the capacity to) see. That is and has been my credo throughout the years despite (or maybe because of) the feeling of being ostracised by that Witch is deemed the normality of generalisation.
Back on Earth - following the planned progress of the Metro-link transportation (Blog 23/10/11 relates) the subsequent local road and utility works saw a period of seven days without Gas – meaning no hot water, central heating and hob. Apparently the water men dug into the Gas pipe, flooding it and cutting off supply to 1499 homes and myself. Fortunately, the electric shower, oven and microwave came to my rescue, and inconvenience replaced total incapacity – still, a reminder of how reliance on modern technology can be; well if not flawed, then taken too much for granted.
With time ticking down to 30th November, the mechanism of momentum is moving towards the momentous movement of the many. The results of balloting from an ever increasing number of disillusioned angry girls and boys, sees the unison of union people in the nursing, teaching and public sectors (to name just three industries) showing their discontent and commitment to a cause that will affect both those within and without workers representation, and will have a significant affect of all in future years. The day of action; should there is no Government u-turn, will see the first national strike in many years. The realisation of the work longer, pay more and receive less; when one needs it most at pensionable age, is something that affects all those unprotected by ‘ring-fenced’ schemes that applies to MPs and high ranking Governments posts, and is strikingly evident. As one who remembers ‘back in the day’ protests, I muse if this is a throwback to when people realised the power they had, and used it effectively.
As the phrase goes, “United we stand divided we fall”. There are rumours of counter actions to this rebellion which; if recent events have pointed to, will result in forceful retaliation. I doubt if they will be as severe as those employed elsewhere in the world, however, one never can tell – though it will be interesting to see how that would pan out with those who reside within their ranks to see what that would be – time will tell.

Lest we forget

Another week of working days and ordinarily chilled out nights saw a degree of difference as I began a process of out-going of items to make way for anew. My Autumnal cleanse let go a past that was more mental calculation than physical effort, though demanded some clinical decisiveness.
Friday was a notable date in the calendar 11.11.11. Annually 11.11 is one remembered for those fallen during conflicts, here, there, then and sadly now. A time when we should I feel pause and spare a couple of minutes in acknowledgement to, and for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their cause.
Without getting into political debate over nationality, religion or social preference it is a matter of respect. Were it not for those largely unsung heroes, we would not have the opportunity of freedom of speech in the majority of the Worlds countries. Living in a country where one has; in the main, the right to express one’s opinions, I engage in doing so; for it was hard fought and must never be taken for granted.
In musical reference, there are three tunes that spring to mind at this time, Dylan’s “With God on our side”, “Universal Soldier” by Buffy Saint Marie and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s going on” holding a degree of significance, “war is not the answer, for only love can conquer hate” indeed.
Those foot soldiers of General’s direction are whom we should pay silent homage to, also mindful of the responsibility that we have when outside conflict. It is to seek out a coming together of peoples and their ideologies - whilst being tolerant to the freedom of choice of those individual. After all Wars may be won by armies, but it is people who have the power when it comes to winning the peace.
Through the years the tragic consequences to the actions deemed necessary at the time, has seen many a family’s life changed forever, to them an acknowledgement is also I feel appropriate –an aspect often neglected.
Around this time is a particularly and personally poignant period for me. Three years ago saw the passing of my father. As most relationships between father and son, there were times when we didn’t see eye to eye, though those times were few and far between, and I know that there are traits of persona that I have inherited from him.
Unlike him however, I don’t think I have the same degree of patience. When confronted with what I believe to be injustice, I stand as that fool (or as I like to think, Hero(?)) that rushes in where Angels fear to tread – and in physically putting oneself in harm’s way; still bear the scars of such, though I remain true to my conviction of conscience. His reputation of being not only a gentle man, but a gentleman also is something that I can only endeavour to aspire to. So to my Dad and all those who have passed over, are thanks – lest we forget

31/10/11 A time of year: (Part Two)

My follow up sees both Halloween / Samhain faith addressed
POEM for the day:
Spiders crawling on the walls, the sky, a ghastly Black,
Breeze that blows through bristling trees, the silent noises crash
. By wing or scuttle, the tiny feet, a sign I’m not alone,
. In shadows mist, a presence brings, a shiver to the bone
Moonbeams pierce, like laser light, to scenes that bring a fear,
For nature can be clinical, Owl swoops upon its victim, that sadly did not hear,
. The date that’s known for spirits play when many fear a fright
. But me I am in element I love this annual night
Luna Lights: A short story
Once again it is a night of note, a time when the influence of Lady Luna is such that I am drawn to her glory. The solar light shines upon our satellite, illuminating and inspiring me with confidence, powerful emotion and driven purpose. Though it is difficult to control - it is not impossible, and through the years I have learned to have a degree of focus, to embrace the ambience of those moments when the feeling inside is at its most sensitive. Is it a curse? Is it a gift? I suppose it depends on one’s viewpoint. Caught up in an eddy of experience that although is a mass of random confusion, can also produce a spectrum illusion. Strong are the moods of mad temper and rage, at times I struggle to easily hold onto my actions, thereafter reflecting, many a time with regret of such acts. Two worlds within my head, my persona split by elemental and the astronomic cycles of an ever turning wheel. More often than not I can judge the time, though it is always inevitable. The Moonbeams break through the clouds and my inner aura grows in intensity. It is, a time for change
A rite in the night:
With reverence and respect I begin with the placement of satin cloth on surface of choice. Candles reflect the mood, Black to end negativity and White to welcome anew. Along with other selective tools to assist in the connection and ritual of particular choice, I am happy in my preparations that will enable the act/s of magic to be performed.
One is the observation of gentle flames burning away those items; either in actual or representative form, the ills of one’s enemy or their persona। Upon completion the extinguishment of such allowing a clearing away of the insignificant, that which holds us back and those who either wish us harm, openly or covertly, or show no courtesy or with distain (you know who you are) it is that witch I can deal quite clinically with. It is a trait of honest self analysis and by no way pride – It is, the way I am.
Once the preliminary sessions were completed it was on to the other aspects of witch are more intimate, although did the job for me –and satisfaction !

31/10/11 A time of year (Part One)

A special day deserves a special posting and so there is a post and sequel.
Halloween / Samhain: I celebrate in fun and in muse from my position of a-lone Ranger, a Fool on the Hill if you like, of a Sabbath day close to my heart, spirit and soul. Moreover it is a date of event for ‘all souls’ to participate in, and enjoy.
Be it pagan past, as Samhain lore acknowledges to and for the dead; though like the card of Tarot, Death is only the beginning and an opportunity to discard negativity of recent time to move ओं

For me, the date signifies the fading of the warm months as the chill of winter days approach. The time when the fall back of hours throws all back for an hour, we stock up the provisions and prepare for the darker days ahead.
The veil of shadow at its most sensitive between Samhain and towards Yule, it allows an opportunity, to reach out to a beyond of yet incomprehensible reasoning, and certainly not to be feared. Those who were lost, have passed on, and over are our guardians akin to silent parents to guide and assist though not to overly interfere. It is a time when wisdom is passed though the embracement of spiritual energy and affords us to a time to reject any negative aura.
Or perhaps is it the more recently embraced tradition of Halloween; where parties, tricks and revelry take precedent.
People are strange: When they come to ‘my’ door, I make sure I’m ready for them – Mask, Shaving foam and sweets to hand it’s a trick and treat thing
Witch ever is one’s choice, at least the date is to be remembered, and as it is to that faith Witch to myself, and I guess to others of a similar vein, that is important. I wonder how, what other cultures feel about this time; in particular? Home and Away opinions and comments are welcomed and indeed invited for tolerant communication in this world or the next is always a great virtue to have.
Bless Buffy: Seems since Sarah Michelle Geller took up the TV series role of the super heroine, and latterly charmed and others of similar vein, there is more interest in the Art of magic. Lore has become not so much a back street movement (although true practitioners will tell you, it’s not all about the good magic) and becoming a follower of Wicca is more popular. The 2011 UK Census and my employer have both recognised my Pagan faith and a deal more tolerance is seen about – one hopes it’s not to be a fad.
SING-A-LONG Happy Nightmares: The Night of fear is here, whether you Moondance in the Moonlight Shadow, go Crazy on the Ghost train, have Sympathy for, and Dance with the Devil from the Underworld or walkabout with the Werewolves of London as the Bad Moon Rises – Have Happy Nightmares with the Black Widow and listen with fun