Old Richard 55, Male The Blacksmiths Forge United States: Share

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PaganSpace Meet n Gree...

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Wayland's Smithy

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Witches of The World C...

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As above, so below.

Be all that you are, and nothing that you are not.

You may sit on a stove and whistle all you like, but you will never be a tea kettle.

Profile Information

Relationship Status:: Married, It's Complicated

Age: Unimportant

Astrological Sign: Decidedly Scorpio

About Me:: I'm just an old cunning man of middling attainment. I have nothing to prove to anyone, and nothing to offer but 45 years of treading the mill with the blacksmith's maul in my right hand and the blackthorn staff in my left. I never take myself too seriously, so you shouldn't either. I have a sense of humor somewhere between Dr Seuss and Dr House. My writing is always done with my tongue firmly in-cheek. I'm one of those stuffy old traditional hereditaries who keeps most things beneath the rose. I don't have much truck with ceremonial flapdoodle and ego-stroking titles. I am the master of nothing but my own spirit. Fools might seek more than this, but heroes have died for less.

Website:: http://mountainashgrove.com

Favorite Books: RJ Stewart, Brian Bates, Mike Howard, Katherine Mary Briggs, Ly de Angeles, Starrfire Price, Ann Maura, Sybil Leek, Paul Huson, Robin Artisson, Nigel Jackson, Nigel Pennick, Peter Paddon, Doreen Valiente, Evan John Jones, Ronald Hutton, Patrick McCullom, Jan Fries, Joseph Bearwalker Wilson

Beliefs / Practices: Pagan, Witch, Mystic, Shaman, Heathen

Other Beliefs/Practices: I am a man in black, passably adept at the traditional English cunning arts in a befuddled sort of way. Most of my practice and background is very mystical and shamanic, and it bears some similarity to Joe Wilson's original 1734 tradition. However, we are not 1734, and niether are we Wiccan in any sense. Like most traditional cunning folk, we are simply an extended family who just "know what we know" and do what is necessary.

Hobbies: Blacksmithing, archery, gardening, and writing occupy my precious little free time. I spend most of my time working, either for my employer or on my stupid Jeep. Why my beloved Elf puts up with me I'll never know.

Likes: Scotch whiskey. Fire drumming. Horses. Jeeps. Poetry. Wolves. Moon dancing. Fresh sloe berries. Roses. Maddy Prior. Did I mention scotch whiskey?

Dislikes: Phonies, wannabes, and fluffy bunnies. I have no use for ceremonial clown acts, Ren Fair costumes, or self-appointed authorities. As they say, the littlest dogs bark the loudest.

How did you find PaganSpace?: Starr is an old friend, and I'm proud to be a sponsor. She is wise beyond her years, brighter than her name, and a badass little witch. Gotta love her.

Old Richard's Blog

My Last Word on Witch Wars

I've grown weary of the whole Clan of Tubal Cain thing spilling over into my personal friendships. It never ceases to astonish me that so many people of erstwhile wisdom and good repute can generate such an inexhaustible wellspring of bile and bad blood.

I refuse to take any side in the matter. It is none of my damned business, so leave me out of it. I hate the thought of losing friends over this; it is a tragic and unnecessary loss. But Fate will have it as She will, and all is as it must be.… Continue

Posted on May 10, 2009 at 10:02am — 3 Comments

Imagine My Surprise

Alright, so I've been away from public involvement for awhile. OK, quite a while. Whatever, it doesn't matter except that it's really disconcerting when the first news I get from the webosphere is that one of my favorite websites, Peter Paddon's Crooked Path podcast, is about to fall victim to another round of silly "witch wars". As me mum would often utter at such annoyance, "Bloody hell!"

As some of you well know, ever since the crossing of Evan John Jones there has been a certain amount of d… Continue

Posted on May 9, 2009 at 5:14pm — 1 Comment

Wayland's Smithy

I've just started a Group on PaganSpace called Wayland's Smithy. The idea is to have a specific forum for people to talk and learn about The Blacksmith, one of the most powerful initiators in the European traditions as well as reflexes in other cultures too. It is meant to be for discussion of both the historical/cultural side as well as the deeper sorcerous mysteries surrounding The Reforger.

As I've explained before, the mell in my signature salutation is an archaic Old English spelling of ma… Continue

Posted on November 29, 2008 at 9:00am — 2 Comments

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Comment Wall (30 comments)

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At 8:07pm on July 3, 2009, Elven Path said…: Stopping by to say HELLO too, thanks for the comment (I know it was awhile ago hehe)!

Calantirniel
of the Elven Path

At 10:57pm on June 20, 2009, Gwendolynn said…: Summer Sun

Great is the sun, and wide he goes
Through empty heaven with repose;
And in the blue and glowing days
More thick than rain he showers his rays.

Though closer still the blinds we pull
To keep the shady parlour cool,
Yet he will find a chink or two
To slip his golden fingers through.

The dusty attic spider-clad
He, through the keyhole, maketh glad;
And through the broken edge of tiles
Into the laddered hay-loft smiles.

Meantime his golden face around
He bares to all the garden ground,
And sheds a warm and glittering look
Among the ivy's inmost nook.

Above the hills, along the blue,
Round the bright air with footing true,
To please the child, to paint the rose,
The gardener of the World, he goes.

by Robert Louis Stevenson

May the warmth of his golden rays
Spread magic brightly through your days.
In Honour of Alban Hefin (the Summer Solstice/Litha)
Love and Hugs, Gwen

At 10:23am on May 19, 2009, Berkana said…: Hey there, just dropping in to wish you a happy Tuesday

At 3:38pm on May 18, 2009, Chicago Jen said…: Good to hear from you! Hope all is well in your world! Give your Lady a squeeze for me!

At 10:08pm on May 14, 2009, Maia said…: Hi OR! Thanks for the note a couple days ago. I've been gone for quite a while, too. Been a busy last couple months, but should be calming down soon (I hope). My best to you and Elf.

Maia

~Magickal Graphics~

At 11:03am on May 11, 2009, Heather said…: It is nice to see you! Take care.

At 8:20am on May 11, 2009, Celticlass said…: Nice to see ya back!! Have a bonny day!!! happy spring!!!

At 2:16am on May 11, 2009, Gwendolynn said…: 'Tis nice to have you pop by dear sir. I hope that all has been well with you and yours and that the season of Beltaine will carry it's magic through to the next sabbat.

Sith (peace in Scot's Gaidhlig)
Gwen

At 10:22pm on May 10, 2009, Ciara said…: having my full moon tonight.... since I worked 17 hours yesterday. Yes, many new things for me also....for the good.
Be well my friend and Happy Mother's day to Elf.