Returning Home
Unification of a Tribe
by Michael Sessumes
"Trust in the Gods and yourself, for the true nature of man is self serving and will likely betray you if given the opportunity."
In this modern age, one thing that seems most clear, and something all people seem to grasp, is that there is a great sickness that spreads across men's hearts and the land in this age.
Reflection during thought often leads to what end or solution can be found, so that, once again, our folk can lean into and hold each other up instead of this endless clammering like crabs in a bucket, individually each able to crawl out... Yet one by one crawling over each other, holding one another down while those who enthralled us keep us and hold us in their fetters and binds.
I look around and within and see the aspect of this trap all too clear. We make progress in the traditions and rituals of our forebears, reawakening who we are and remembering our strength. Yet our egos and image of self holds us blinded to the true purpose of it all.
We are not to live in the past! We are to live now! To reclaim who we are, how we think, and become who we were meant to be instead of these broken and poisoned versions that men cling to.
The cure is as complex as it is simple, to humble ourselves in the presence of our mighty Gods. We must stop seeking for self and start searching for true connection.
In an age where everyone is an expert and all claim the way, I look back...
Grandmothers of my grandmothers, I hear your songs and heed your words in our sagas.
Grandfathers of my grandfathers, your rituals and advice guide me. For in this time of tyrants and degeneracy, I AM THE VOICE OF MY DEAD ANCESTORS! AND I SING THEIR SONGS!
In trance, and in battle frenzy, and in peace, endless is our connection, and together we march forward to bring our kinsman home!
Humbled but unbroken.
Stronger than ever, yet aware of the cost. I look over the horizon at the endless fratricidal conflicts and divides that ripple across our religious community and Folk as a whole.
And I seek the wisdom and patience to do more than win glory from battle alone.....
I yearn for so much more! I yearn for true unity and communities built on frith and love.
Recently, one of my cousins was tracing family lines and his traced back to Redbad and to the legendary Volsungasaga so this morning I re read those stories.......
Whether it be distant ties or my own direct link to these sagas and heroes, it sits heavy with me as I reflect inward and contemplate if this is why my nature is to throw the spear!? And have I not yet learned to heed their examples?
“Let us recount the ancient lineages…
From them the farming stock,
from them the fighting stock,
the choicest of men on Midgard;
all are your kin, Ottar, you fool.”
- Hyndluljóð 11
Tacticus basically describes German warriors as quick to the fray and battle yet also capable of great love and devotion. Great thinkers who wear their hearts on the sleeve. Our emotions are our strength, not our weakness, kinsman. Raw passion, yet only if we can let this fire light our way and not consume us!
In this year, as our victories come seemingly easier by the day, I will spend a great effort on true unification both in our Folk Nation and beyond our walls. Not all threads can be mended, yet not all broken ties need be eternal enemies, and ultimately the Gods will guide us all. If none worthy see things this way, we march on regardless, and through any who stands in our way!
Yet what a sight to see, as men's personal petty squabbles and disagreements settled in the Old Ways, and for our overall communities to be led by leaders who have the Folk’s interests at heart, and not our own egos.
The age of atonement and reconnecting to our Gods is upon us!
HAIL OUR MIGHTY GODS!!!!!!
HAIL Odin!!
Hail Raven Folk United!
By Michael Sessumes
Hildingr, RFU