Voryuul Suggested Meditations

(9. Yuuling (sunset December)-21. Yuuling (sunset December 20)

Voryuul Topic #3

PLEASE NOTE: I am not kidding when I say that Voryuul meditations can be a blunt force against one's complacency. Many of these meditations can stir up confusion, regret, grief, or worse. Before undertaking these meditations, please know your own limits. Do not go tearing scabs off of healing wounds. Despite what pop culture might tell you, some wounds are best left covered and healed over. The goal of these meditations is to learn more about your shadow self and to learn how not to fear the shadier sides of yourself. This is about achieving a balance of the whole of yourself, which is, in and of itself, a lifelong journey.

Should you begin to feel depressed or distraught, DISCONTINUE all meditations immediately and contact a friend, a family member, Distelfink or other clergy member, a Braucher[in] or Hex, or an appropriate helpline. Do not suffer alone. Although these meditations can be tough, they are not intended to break you down or to weaken you.

Please do not begin these meditations until Voryuul begins, but do look them over so that you can familiarize yourself with them and declare your boundaries to yourself.

----------

Friday, December 8: 

Voryuul Night 1 (begins sunset local time)

EDITED Meditation Topic (combined 1 and 2): What did I learn in the past year? Who am I these days? Am I happy? Am I content?

Voryuul/Lutzelfraaslaaf Observance (Bristol/Online; 18:30 PM)  

Bristol Buggy Pull (after Voryuul Observance)

Saturday, December 9: 

Voryuul Night 2 (begins sunset local time; Parade kicks off)

Parade of Spirits (Philadelphia, PA; 16:00 PM)

NEW Meditation Topic: What do I do when the whole is --less than-- the sum of its parts? How do I recognize when all the effort I am putting into various projects in my life is resulting in the totality of my daily life being diminished by stress, exhaustion, incongruent relationships, lack of opportunity, procrastination, etc.? 

Sunday, December 10:

Voryuul Night 3 (begins sunset local time)

Meditation Topic: Am I stuck in a rut? If there was one thing I could change in my life, what would that be? Why? How? To what end?

Monday, December 11:

Voryuul Night 4 (begins sunset local time)

Meditation Topic: What are my true motivators? What are the real causes of my actions? 

Tuesday, December 12: 

Voryuul Night 5 and Lutzelfraaslaaf (begin sunset local time). This is an auspicious time to make donations to food banks or shelters, and we this is a primary time for handing out sock and underwear donations directly.

Meditation Topic: Mindset and relationship around giving and generosity; why do I — or don’t I — give to others or accept things that I need?

Wednesday, December 13: 

Voryuul Night 6 (begins sunset local time)

Meditation Topic: What do I do when I win the battle but lose the war. How can I recognize situations in which the cost to get what I need or want is too high?

Thursday, December 14: 

Voryuul Night 7 (begins sunset local time)

Meditation Topic: How do I find balance and contentment between what I want and what is available?

Friday, December 15: 

Voryuul Night 8 (begins sunset local time)

Meditation Topic: How can I leverage the shadowy aspects of myself? What positive things do useless hopes and wishful thinking bring to me?

Saturday, December 16: 

Voryuul Night 9 (begins sunset local time)

Meditation Topic: Status of open projects: What is worth finishing? What is weighing me down?

Sunday, December 17: 

Voryuul Night 10 (begins sunset local time)

Meditation Topic: Were there patterns of behavior that have served me and/or others well? What behaviors or actions were detrimental and should not be engaged in again?

Monday, December 18: 

Voryuul Night 11 (begins sunset local time)

Meditation Topic: How am I affected by the company I choose to keep? How can I affect the world around me? 

Tuesday, December 19:

Voryuul Night 12 (begins sunset local time)

Meditation Topic: What can I do differently in the new year that will take me out of my comfort zone?

Wednesday, December 20:

Voryuul Ends at sunset local time.

Yuul Night 1 (begins sunset local time)

Functional Voryuul

Voryuul Topic #2

It is very easy to get lost in all of the Voryuul topics, particularly when it coms to the Geischderschtrutz/Parade of Spirits. Thus, this post describes the most basic functions of Voryuul.

Please bear in mind that Voryuul, as a distinct observance, is relatively new, though it is drawn from very old traditions. On the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, Voryuul is the time between death and rebirth. It is the time we do not remember, the mystical time when our divinity is awaiting the formation of a new soul construct before being reborn. The light from the last life is fading, and the darkest of times is yet to come.

Voryuul really pretty much starts when Allelieweziel ends (sunset on November 11), but, as a discrete observance, it begins on the night of December 8 (which is December 9 by Urglaawe lunar reckoning). That night, we light twelve candles, engage in a meditation, and then snuff out one. Suggested meditations are listed in a Voryuul Topic #3 post and will be linked to in the first Comment below this post.

On the second night, we light eleven candles, and then blow out one. Each night through the 19th, we light one fewer candle and blow out one more. This brings us up to the night of the 20th, which is the beginning of Yuul and the rebirth, when the last candle is blown out and then, after a period in the darkness, is relit to represent the return of light.

There is a lot more going on within the Voryuul nights, but this is the basic process. It helps us to focus ourselves on what is working for us -- and what is not working for us. Many of us base New Year's Resolutions (a very Heathen topic that we will cover as the time draws nigh).

Voryuul can be rough. Answering to the meditations honestly can bring about a lot of churning emotions and uncertainties. It is a time of introspective exploration that can lead to unpleasant conclusions or unhappiness. There is a fine line between confronting/embracing the realities about ourselves and falling into despair. These introspections are not required, so only engage in them if you feel you are ready to deal with the answers.

If you begin to feel despondent or desperate, please cease the meditations and reach out to one of Distelfink Sippschaft's clergy (all of whom are also empowered practitioners of Braucherei and Hexerei): Michelle A Jones, Ralph Victoria Young, Larry L Goble Jr., Silvera Moon, Stacey Lynne Stewart or me for some spiritual advisement or call an external agency or text 988 from your cell phone or 1-888-784-2433 from a landline.

Es Umdenk - The Mindshift

Voryuul Topic #1

Voryuul's onset is still a few days away, and now might be a good time to talk about one of the more complicated concepts within Urglaawe (and, quite possibly, within all of Heathenry): Es Umdenk. 

Quite literally, this is a shift in ideas, or, as is often colloquially said in English, "the mindshift."

We often speak about the Umdenk when one converts from monotheism (particularly Christianity) to Heathenry. Within the Urglaawe community, this shift was first expressed by my kinsman, Daniel Riegel, prior to his passing in 2011. He described the mindshift in the context of embracing the dark half of the year, which was consistent with many others’ experiences of recognizing the totality of the self, shadow and all. This recognition of our whole being is not the same as accepting ourselves “as is” and not striving to be better. Instead, it is using the totality of ourselves in order to become the best we can be.

There is a tendency in our society (particularly in the Deitscherei) to pretend the shadowy sides of ourselves do not exist. We bury them deeply, and we are ashamed of them. This attitude is pervasive in some Plain sectarian communities, and it is rooted in Christian orthodoxy. Shadow sides are generally viewed as being “evil” or profane. Orthodoxy, meaning that one is required to believe a certain way, trumps orthopraxy, meaning that one is required only to practice the same way within a group. Orthodoxy leads to dogma, and dogma leads to suppression of variant ideas.

One of the more common beliefs within Urglaawe is that the deities want for us to be at the end of this cosmic cycle where they were at the beginning of it. To achieve this, we have to grow as a race of beings. Such growth, particularly an evolution of consciousness, is very difficult when the largest religions in the world actively attempt to limit questioning and independent thought.

Maintaining perspectives from Christianity while practicing Heathenry can result in confusion. Our relationships to the deities and to our ancestors differ from that of the Christian understanding. Our relationship to the world around us differs. It is difficult to wrap one’s head around the idea that there may be multiple “truths” or that our deities have individual personalities that may lead them even into conflict with each other.

And, at the risk of offending some readers of this post, the “lore” is not Gospel, and to treat the myths as such can lead one to a state of cognitive dissonance in which the baggage of orthodoxy remains even though the trappings of the religion have changed. Germanic Heathenry has never (at least within the period in which history has been written down) been monolithic. Different tribes knew different deities in different ways… and that is wonderful!

Ditching the mindset of Christianity is critical. We are not “fallen.” We do not need an intercessor to remove the stain of sin. We have the ability and responsibility to improve ourselves, yes, but we do so to create a better future for ourselves and for our descendants, not because we have a bill to pay from the past.

For those who are planning to undergo the Voryuul meditations beginning at sunset on December 8, use the time between now and then to think about your own conversion (if applicable). Is there baggage you can free yourself from during the upcoming darkest nights?

We have recently seen an uptick in people joining our group because they were interested in our "Unbaptism" information. For me, the "Unbaptism" was an integral part of my mindshift. I had to close out old business in order to make a cleaner break with the ghosts of my religious past. We live in a society dominated by Christianity, and it is going to be nigh impossible to completely remove its influences from our lives (and, since a great many people whom I love are Christians, I want to keep them living long, happy, and healthy lives).

However, we can strive to remove the toxicity of the "only one way" mindset, and we can work with our deities, our ancestors/forebears, and (most importantly) our communities and selves to make the world a better place for ourselves and for those to come.

(Voryuul begins at sunset on December 8, which begins 9. Yuuling on the Urglaawe lunar calendar, and runs until sunset on December 20, which begins December 21 - Yuul - on the Urglaawe calendar.)

-------

VORYUUL ADVISEMENT

Voryuul is an exploration of the self that can lead to unpleasant conclusions or unhappiness. There is a fine line between confronting/embracing the realities about ourselves and falling into despair. These introspections are not required, so only engage in them if you feel you are ready to deal with the answers.

If you begin to feel despondent or desperate, please cease the meditations and reach out to one of Distelfink Sippschaft's clergy (all of whom are also empowered practitioners of Braucherei and Hexerei): Michelle A Jones, Ralph Victoria Young, Larry L Goble Jr., Silvera Moon, Stacey Lynne Stewart or me for some spiritual advisement or call an external agency or text 988 from your cell phone or 1-888-784-2433 from a landline.

Talk a friend!

Talk to a loved one!

Do not go it alone.

December Pubmoot, Voryuul, Parade of Spirits 2022

 VORYUUL 2022

The Urglaawe observance of Voryuul begins at sunset on December 8, and observance of it is a hybrid event (in person in Bristol, PA and on Zoom) on Friday, December 9. The Parade of Spirits in Philadelphia on December 10. These are the darkest nights, and our tradition is one of confronting the shadowier sides of ourselves and embracing the reality of the totality of ourselves. It can be an illuminating time, but it can also shake up a lot of preconceived notions that we have about ourselves.

All are welcomed to join our hybrid event. If you live in the Philadelphia metropolitan area or in the Deitscherei/Pennsylvania Dutch Country and would like to attend in person, please contact me (Robert L. Schreiwer) directly on Facebook. 

Ritual Event Link (Facebook)

Please note that this event is preceded by a Monthly Heathen Pubmoot at the King George II Inn in Bristol, PA. The ritual itself will start at 6:30 with a walking processional (for those who are able to do so; others are welcomed to ride in vehicles -- and part of me is considering pulling the Buggy as part of the processional, but that might be consideration for next year.)

December Pubmoot Link (Facebook)

The ritual will continue from my house in Bristol, PA, at approximately 7:00 PM.

One of Voryuul's features is the Parade of Spirits in Liberty Lands Park in Philadelphia. This year, the Parade falls on Saturday, December 10, 2022. See site for more info.

Parade of Spirits - Der Geischderschtrutz - 2022

Halliches Hoietfescht!

 Es Hoietfescht is the Urglaawish Haymaking Festival. It is a celebration of the first grain harvest. It is a time of revelry, celebration, games, joyous conversation, and community building.

Hail to community!

Hail to friendship!

Hail to the deities!

Der Yuul

En Hallicher Yuul zu eich alle! 

Voryuul Timeline, Eastern Deitscherei, Nights 1-5

Regional Timeline of Voryuul Events for the Eastern Deitscherei

Note: If you find yourself struggling with the realities of answers dredged up by some of the shadow-side work, please discontinue the exploration and reach out to me, to a trusted friend, or to any of the clergy of Distelfink Sippschaft. 

---------

NIGHT 1: Wednesday, December 8, 2021; Sunset Local Time

Night 1 of Voryuul begins. Start with twelve candles burning, consider the meditation of the day. Snuff or blow out one candle in the middle of your meditation and contemplate the change in the lighting, ambience, and atmosphere of the room. When meditation is completed, be sure to extinguish all candles!

Suggested Meditation 1

Nacht 1 - Night 1

Es 2020 waar  ’n zaehes Yaahr gwest. Es 2021 (doch im Gang) iss en besseres Yaahr gwest. Bischt du noch gedreir de Lehre vun 2020, adder bischt du widder zimmlich desselwert es Mensch, as du im 2019 waarscht?

2020 was a tough year. Did you retain the lessons learned in 2020, or are you again pretty much the same person who you were in 2019?

---------

NIGHT 2: Thursday, December 9, 2021; Sunset Local Time

Night 2 begins with eleven candles burning, and the number of lit candles will be reduced to ten by the end of the meditation. 

Suggested Meditation 2

Bedrachdungsvorschlack 2

Wer bischt du heitich? Bischt du froh? Bischt vergniechlich?

Meditation Prompt 2

Who are you these days? Are you happy? Are you contented?

---------

NIGHT 3: Friday, December 10, 2021; Sunset Local Time

Night 3 begins with ten candles lit and the number is reduced to nine.

Suggested Meditation 3 

Bedrachdungsvorschlack 3

Kannst du net mehr aus me Trott haerauskumme? Wann du yuscht eeni Sach in deim Lewe umwandle kennt, was watt es sei? Weswegge? Wuzu? Zu wellem End?

Meditation Prompt 3

Are you stuck in a rut? If you could transform just one thing in your life, what would it be? Due to what? Why? To what end?

LUTZELFRAASLAAF: Distelfink Sippschaft will observe Lutzelfraaslaaf beginning at 6:00 PM EST at Rob Schreiwer's house in Bristol, PA.

BRISTOL BUGGY PULL will take place during Night 3 (approximately 7:30/8:00 PM EST behind Bristol Borough Junior-Senior High School, Bristol, PA 

YULETIDE SOCK DRIVE begins at the Buggy Pull.

---------

NIGHT 4: Saturday, December 11, 2021; Sunset Local Time

PARADE OF SPIRITS: Sunset on December 11 begins the Parade of Spirits though the streets of Northern Liberties in Philadelphia.

Night 4 also plunges us into the shadowy sides of ourselves. We begin with nine candles lit and end with eight. 

Suggested Meditation 4

Be prepared to go a little bit meta and to think about the past few nights' meditations, particularly the aspects of confronting the shadow side of yourself and developing a better understanding of the totality of yourself. 

Then ask yourself some of the tough questions. 

What are my motivators? What are the causes of my actions?

All behavior can be boiled down to four functions: attention, avoidance, sensory stimulation, and access to tangibles. What impels some of the shadowy behaviors? Without going into too much personal detail, I sometimes see attention as a primary motivator, even more so than avoidance, which would have been a major player when I was younger. Of course, all of us shift from function to function throughout our lives, but it is the nagging, troublesome shadowy behaviors that I am looking at within myself. 

Did you ever notice certain patterns in your life, particularly those that result in detriment to yourself? Are there things that you keep noticing are causing problems with relationships, jobs, self-fulfillment? The old saying is, "Do what you always do and get what you always get." Sometimes we need introspection (Selbschtreiguck) to move toward self-improvement (Selbschtverbessering). Tracking those things back to the behavioral function that they serve may help with some enlightenment and some positive change... Or, at the very least, understanding why we do the things we do can lead to more deliberate choices, even on the shadow side.

Voryuul is indeed the time for introspection, and confronting the shadow side is just about as introspective as one can get!

Note Again: If you find yourself struggling with the realities of answers dredged up by some of the shadow-side work, please discontinue the exploration and reach out to me, to a trusted friend, or to any of the clergy of Distelfink Sippschaft. Night 4's meditation an open up some old wounds, which presents all the more reason to come out to spend time in the community having fun embracing the dark and facing your fears. 

NIGHT 5: Sunday, December 12, 2021;  Sunset, Local Time

Night 5 begins with eight candles lit and ends with seven.

Suggested Meditation 5

Night 5's meditation starts with the question, "What do you do when you win the battle but lose the war?" By "battle" here I do not mean literal battle (though that could certainly apply here as well). Instead, I mean the struggles that we encounter with unstable friendships/relationships or the strains of improving one's career or whatever it is that we find ourselves vying to attain. How do you cope with loss of this type? What actions soothe you, and what impact does your self-soothing have on. yourself and on others? Do you give up on lost causes gracefully? Less than gracefully? Or do you plod forth hoping that tomorrow will be a brighter day?

Note: If you find yourself struggling with the realities of answers dredged up by some of the shadow-side work, please discontinue the exploration and reach out to me, to a trusted friend, or to any of the clergy of Distelfink Sippschaft. Night 5's meditation is meant to shake us out of our comfort zone. Being truthful with oneself on this meditation can stir up guilt and regret. Those feelings must be extinguished along with Candle 8 is blown out. If there amends that need to be made with other people, extinguish the guilt and work to correct the actions of the past. If no reconciliation is possible, then, when blowing out the rest of the candles for tonight, commit the guilt and the regret to the past while learning any lessons that the incidents in question are presenting to you. 

----- Nights 6-12 will be presented in a later post -----