Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
Venerable Master, Director of Education
In August, during the 8th Moon Cycle, we focus on Clan Mother “She Who Heals,” the guardian of Serving the Truth. According to Shaman Sams, She Who Heals embodies the stewardship of the healing arts, matron of all Rites of Passage, protector of the mysteries of life & death, and chanter of the final melody, the Death song. She is closely connected to all plant spirits, and as a steward of life and death, ushers souls to and from this world. She teaches us the cycles of the great medicine wheel of life, when to resist, when to surrender, when to allow our spirits to decide, and how to embrace death as a pathway to new beginnings. She Who Heals instills in every individual the capacity to release the fear of death and embrace change as a new journey during our Earth Walk. Ultimately, she shows us how to see beyond the illusion of finality and prepares us for rebirth in the Spirit World.
“She Who Heals – Shaman Healer”
Norse Shamanism speaks to Creation as having no beginning or end. Parallels can be drawn to the foundational concepts of existence embodied in Norse and Proto-Germanic terms like Ørlög and Wyrd. Ørlög (pronounced “wore-low”) has typically been viewed as primal, and inflexible laws of nature that do not change over time, and to which all things are bound regardless of whether we like it or not. It has sometimes been associated as part of our legacy, passed down to us by our ancestors, a kind of genetic karma. This has traditionally been accepted as Fate.
ᚢᚱᛚᚢᚴ
Ørlög (“Fate”) written in Younger Futhark, a Scandinavian runic alphabet, circa 9th century AD
“Web of Wyrd”
In conjunction with Fate, we have Wyrd (pronounced “weird”), Old Norse in Origin, from Urðr (pronounced OH-thur), which has been used loosely to mean Destiny. In July’s article, I spoke of the never-ending nourishment of Creator’s Love, referring (at one point) to the Urðarbrunnr, the well or water source that gives eternal life to the forever green Yggdrasil, the Norse “Tree of Life.” This water spring in its entirety, is the totality of all potential. It is then an interesting connection that this “pool of potential” has a relationship with Destiny. Anything made here, becomes manifest in the World. Wyrd, used in the context of destiny describes how life is shaped within the predetermined framework of the Ørlög (wore-low). To the individual, it is the process of choice and evolution.
In a game of Poker, “Wyrd” would be working with the hand that has been dealt, while in Pool, or Billiards, it’s assessing the table after the break, and making-due with that articulate chaos of spherical topography.
Another enjoyable connection is the Web of Wyrd and the number 9 in Numerology. The Web of Wyrd represents all the shapes that can be expressed in the Scandinavian Runes (Viking Age Alphabet) and includes the countless ways we can mold the boundless possibilities of destiny in our physical reality. In other words, we can look at Ørlög (wore-low) and Wyrd (weird) as Fate and how we respond to it.
Jewel of the 5th Degree – Perfect Master
Numerology is said to be the study of the spiritual and mystical significance of numbers. In its most primitive form, numerology considers the numbers 1-9. Directing your attention to the Web of Wyrd, you’ll observe 9 staves or branches. The number 9 in Numerology depicts wholeness, completeness, death, and preparations for a new beginning. It is the end of a cycle, preparing for the transition into a new cycle (the number 1, Life, birth, beginnings, etc.). Whereas Urðr, the water spring of Fate (represented by the number 9) holds potentiality, Destiny manifests in the physical world (symbolized by the number 1).
So what is the difference between Fate and Destiny? A simple search online revealed that “Fate” implies a lack of control or inevitability, while “destiny” suggests a sense of purpose or direction that can be influenced by personal agency. I can’t help but think of how this relates to the 5th Degree, Perfect Master.
In the 5th Degree, Perfect Master, we are no longer in deep mourning of the death of Master Hiram Abiff, but still remain in a state of sorrow. Among many of the lessons imparted, the primary instruction of this degree is based on the certainty of Death: “While we think, we die… Death is the portion of every man.” In this degree, we are instructed on the importance of overcoming the fear of death, and of keeping our houses in order. “We should ask God’s aid to live well, that we may die well.” It has been said that there are many ways to overcome the fear of death. Some purport living a life filled with meaning and purpose, whereas others suggest living your life to the fullest, following your heart, and minimizing regret. They say at the end of your life, you’re more likely to regret the things you didn’t do, than the things you did.
I ask that in the month of August, you meditate on how you can work towards serving the truth, by honoring all forms of life. Make a conscious effort to be more present and in the moment with every person you engage and every action you set forth. Embrace those you love with an overwhelming bounty of love and gratitude (as if it were your last). Find your deceased loved ones represented in nature. Speak to them.
Aho,
Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
Venerable Master, Director of Education
