I was asked by Grímnir to speak to the WoV and members of the Galdragildi while visiting. The topic was simply an introduction and general information regarding the gild. My speaking notes for the event are posted below. Some variation occurred during the actual presentation.
— Gandvaldr Bláskikkja
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“Hello. My name is Gandvaldr Bláskikkja
I come from a fairly formal background. Those I learned from, my teachers and such, allowed little room for extraneous things like “personality” and individual thought that differed from their mainstream. From the beginning I knew this would not be a path I could continue for long and as years progressed I was able to make more of my initial efforts than first thought. Eventually I, along with others of like mind, was able to begin creating something deeper, more intrinsic to the arteries of our folk. There were some successes and failures; a lot of failures. But at each one there was something to be learned; something remarkable and lasting. Like the dross; the slag from the metals with which the smith works; the imperfect tools and weapons made — working toward mastery. Apprentice: Byrjandi / Lærlingur (Beginner / Apprentice), Journeyman: Gildifélagi / Farandi (Gild fellow / Traveler), Gildmaster: Gildi meistari (Gild master). These stages of development within the gild, are the steps I’d taken in a number of ways, quite literally, in the eventual formation of the Galdragildi.
What I’ve sought to maintain in the gild is the dignity and, dare I say, elite standards of the process of learning: the absorption and embodiment of rûna. Not just as it applies to the use of rúnagaldr, but of seiðr, hexology, folk magic and other Germanic magical practices and traditions. My goal was to continue with the stoic setting in which I first held my formal learning, but establish and uphold something stronger, more in touch with the real tradition of our heathen ancestors. The men and women who stood beneath these very skies, this bright moon, were not the rigid, sterile suits which seems to make up much of present day “traditional rune work”. They were vital, vibrant and charged with energy; alive and varied; expressive and strong-willed.
You see, erudition is essential, but cannot be the entirety of our processes. A time must come when a ‘magician’ (galdramáðr / kona) sets aside his books and turns to the woods and wild, both figuratively and literally. For the best of us, this should be accomplished hand in hand rather than maintaining a schism between the academic and the practical. It is far too easy to fall into one category or another, and I’d like to say specifically, the folks down here working with Grímnir (Grafgrímr: gild heiti) and Járnefr are damn lucky to have such powerful figures: in personality, knowledge and arcane prowess to act as leaders within a growing epicenter of heathen folk. They, obviously, are not wholly responsible for this, because each of those persons here are driven and quickened to finding something closer to their heart and ancestral soul.
The gild is a place which persons interested in the magical education and promotion of Germanic traditions can come to foster themselves, and share their experiences with others, if they desire. There are some who choose to practice in solitude, choosing to interact solely with me. Persons of the Galdragildi have heard me say this dozens of times, but I still feel there are some who are missing this critical point. Community, for this to succeed, is doubly important. The building of community, both to be a part OF and from which a magician can isolate him or herself AWAY FROM, is crucial to the continuation of tradition. Strides must be taken to avoid Internet-based learning and mail order association. A person cannot be a part of something when they are just sitting behind a desk, staring a computer screen. We are in the age of the Vitki-pedian: persons sitting at a computer, looking up data and amassing common knowledge from the efforts of others, then claiming all manner of experiences and discovery based merely upon reading. It is a sickness of the Age, and I have witnessed it first hand in my earlier days, “magicians” who could not or would not set foot from the comfort of their homes to even venture to the woods for an evening “sitting out”. It has a dangerous draw… comfort. And as I grow older, it is more and more difficult to combat. As arthritis sets: physically — I desire comfortable occasions, but spiritually and mentally I am howling; enraged at my own sense of satisfaction and placation. But I’m sure we are all aware of how easy it is to point out another person’s shortcomings. What is much more difficult is to live as an example of strength, honor, intelligence and wisdom. And I do separate these latter two: Intelligence and Wisdom. The difference between these is the difference between Knowing and Doing; that is, the academic vs. the practical. We need stand as a beacon for others who are seeking their ancestral birthright — their own sovereign sense of Self and shine as offspring of the gods. Drengskapar. We, of the gild, do this through the continued study and application of practices which were, in the age of our ancestors, privy to a very select few within any given community. Peculiar folk, whether galdr, seiðr, or otherwise, did not make up the bulk of the established community. In fact, it is fair to say they were not established at all, rather they lived apart from society at times due to the nefarious nature of their practices. Things, of course, changed when kristin dómr arrived. It is a dangerous mind; those who seek personal Initiation — following the path of Draugadróttinn, Hangatyr, Herjan or perhaps, Syr, Vanadís, Valfreyja. For the gild to have its presence welcome within a community as prominent as The Wolves of Vinland, and have such members, founders, of the Wolves seek entrance into the Gild Hall, serves as proof of its process and merit. I often ruminate that the Galdragildi acquired its brain at birth with Vefskelfir, Geirúlfr and myself, but only gained its heart when Grímnir (Grafgrímr) and eventually Járnefr arrived. More aptly put, I (we) gave it önd, but Grafgrímr and Járnefr gave it óðr.
The gild is surely not for everyone, and with good reasons — there is work involved and ACTION required. Its members are given materials and curriculum to begin the process of embodying the runes and learning the rudiments of rungaldr. From there, many provide feedback to the gild through presentation, promotion and probably most important — participation in annual events. As one progresses their areas of study may narrow and a specific focus develops which becomes more and more clear throughout their Journey-work. As one Rises within the gild hall, each and every deed becomes more attuned toward greatness of the Self; each action itself drengsverk.
We gather specifically at the high season; Yule, for might and masking; ancestral communication and galdr when the permeation most widespread. Everyone of the gild is strongly encouraged to attend this, even more so than summer. In the past, the draw of Jul has been quite successful and each year brings more participation. It is my aim to have concentrated locals; epicenters of membership, gather monthly for tafla-verk, galdraverk (table-work and ritual) and more. Starting about a year or so ago, I began sending hardcopy letters to all members detailing an aspired activity which would reach its climax at year’s end; Jul. These “assignments” are provided in as general of terms as possible while maintaining their specific aim. It’s been interesting to tailor these works to be an accomplishment that’s requested of all members of all levels. Providing a task specific enough to produce cohesion, yet general enough to foster dynamic approach has been a challenge. The outcome, last Jul, was amazing. Seeing the entirety of the individual interpretations inspired everyone who participated. Each persons work was as varied and unique as the individual who created it. No two were even similar and were actually frightening for some of the newer members to experience. Another assignment was sent out in the first quarter of 2011 and I think the results of that will be even more multifarious and educational.
That is, I feel, the pinnacle of gild achievement. When its members inspire each other to greater gains, Trú growth and ultimate understanding of all areas of interactivity. As the Galdragildi grows, so too does the individual member. Of course, this is contingent on the involvement of the participant. We’ve all seen persons who sit firmly on the successes of others. Gebo: the gift is alive and flows concurrent. There is life in all aspects of the Gift: giver, giving, given and gifted. Those who are unaware of this truth or fail to acknowledge it, aren’t long lasting. Grímnir (Grafgrímr), Járnefr, and the others of this area, have been exemplary of this fact. It is truly something to aspire to, and I’ve been encouraging the local members of my own area to be far more interactive, involved and share our growth experiences. A resurgence of encouragement will follow once we return to Michigan. I much prefer hands-on interaction and discussion: face to face, to share practices and techniques, enact galdraverk, and more, within the venue of regular meetings, dinners, campouts and such. Much more work is needed and the sense of ownership and responsible community here [in Virginia] is something I’d like to see in my home state. This place, this land and the folks here … There is very potent hamingja.
There are organizations: groups, tribes, kindreds, who view their involvement and knowledge as: “If you aren’t with me, then you are against me.” This is far too common, but unfortunately will always be. But having been invited to participate this weekend with the Wolves; having my family meet your families; being here as guest and friend: I can tell you we are most honored to be among such noble-minded kith, such strong character and dedicated folk of the gods. This is a most impressive thing and we are happy to be a part of it.
Þakka ykkur öllum. Vaxa og vera frábært.
Thank you all.”
