Happy Sun’s Day

Announcements:

We don’t pray here – we figure God, the gods, goddesses, or whatever powers that be either know already, don’t give a fuck, or are busy with more important matters than our petty stuff. We also kind of assume that they expect us to do stuff that we can do for ourselves and that we will do them ourselves and not be lazy. We also believe in being good friends, so we don’t presume on our friendship with the powers that be by asking them all the time for stuff while giving them nothing in return.

We also don’t take an offering here.  We figure the powers that be probably don’t need it.  Let’s be honest, offerings are not given to the divine powers, they are given to an organization to support it.  Just being honest. God, the gods or whatever never sees a dime, farthing or peso of that money; it all goes to the church, mosque or shrine.

Theme Song: “O Valhalla” – SKALD (lyric video)

English translation: https://lyricstranslate.com/en/%C3%B3-valhalla-oh-valhalla.html

I like the sound of this pagan band.  They definitely set a tone here.

Meditation:

Yep.  I have come to see the pain this causes people which is unnecessary as the truth may be painful for a bit, but the long-lasting damage caused by a lie lived is far worse.

Text:

The development of your personal beliefs, morals and ethics is your own responsibility. The belief that we are products of our own environment does not stand within the pagan structure, as paganism teaches that it is the responsibility of each individual to learn to recognize what is right from wrong, regardless of our early environment.

Source: http://exotic-pets.yoexpert.com/exotic-pets-general/what-are-some-of-the-basic-principles-of-paganism-2192.html

Sermon:

The more full title should be: “Personal Responsibility for Your Actions and Personal Development”.  But as a title for a sermon, it is a little wordy. But the point is made as we move from Responsibility of Belief in paganism, we hit the idea that because all things are spiritual from our point of view; then that responsibility extends to full personal responsibility for one’s actions and personal development.

It is you and only you that can develop your moral code, ethics, and beliefs.  This is the simple truth.  You can be inspired by others, instructed and guided, but the decisions you make are yours and yours alone.  Therefore you bear the weight of the full responsibility for them.

There is no blaming parents or environment for one’s bad choices or even really giving credit to others for good ones. Not even the divine gets credit when you do something well other than perhaps giving you the base gifts and abilities you have.  You get the credit as well as the blame for every decision you make and your own moral development good or bad.

There is no excuse in paganism that allows you to do anything but take responsibility for your actions.  This, of course, lines up with the virtues of honor, fidelity, and truth.  Honor is achieved by taking responsibility leading to self-value.  Fidelity is involved because in so doing you are being loyal to your true self and Truth, of course, is needed to see the true path in order to do both.

Full…Complete…Responsibility.  There is no ‘be patient with me god is not finished with me yet’. Blaming the divine for your lack of making good decisions or lacking personal moral development, is not a pagan trait or virtue.  It is an excuse. No.  Take full responsibility for yourself and you will find greater fulfillment.  Trust me, you will feel better about yourself if you do.

Parting Thought:

I remain,

The Rabyd Skald – Wandering Soul, Bard, and Philosopher. The Grey Wayfarer.

Skaal!!!