Easter Greetings
Published: Thu, 05/01/25
So, what makes Stav special? Firstly, knowledge of the rune staves, and in particular the practice of the runic stances as a very effective form of body, mind, and spirit training. Secondly, developing the ability to see the lines of the web of Orlog and recognising connections in time and space. Thirdly, understanding the five principles and seeing how life plays out on many levels, which can be broadly categorised into the Five Principles of Stav. Martial training provides a context in which to learn and practice the stances. Seeing the lines confers a massive advantage in combat. The five principles teach us when why to fight, and how to make an appropriate response depending upon the relative status between us and our antagonist. When I teach martial arts these are the elements I demonstrate and I encourage students to grasp them too. Last week I took part in a large martial arts seminar and these principles work very well
in general martial context too.
Stav can be quite well received in certain pagan contexts too (although not usually amongst Norse Heathens as we use the ‘wrong’ number of runes). The runes, to those who are not wedded to the ‘Elder Futhork’, or simply don’t notice the difference between 16 and 24 (you would be surprised how many people don’t realise) and Norse mythology have quite a wide appeal and talks and workshops on many aspects of Stav are generally well received.
The main limitation in many martial training systems is simply being stuck on one level, whether that level being sport fighting, traditional art forms, self-defence, health and well being with no apparent combat use, or just wanting to violently destroy your ‘enemy’. What I like about Stav is that we can consider any situation from any one of the five principles. If any one of the principles is not going to work in a particular situation, just choose a different one that is appropriate.
Of course it is not just in martial training that we get stuck on one level. In fact Martial Arts is one area where someone can choose a system that works for them and still respect what others are doing which is right for them at the present time. An issue that I occasionally run into is religion and being challenged on whether my beliefs are appropriate to the different contexts in which I choose to operate. Religion also work on many different levels and there is no reason not to move between these levels. I have also come to realise that is perfectly possible to relate the five principles to different levels of belief and practice. None of the levels of belief are ‘wrong’ any more than any of the five principles of combat are good or bad, it is just a matter of understanding the implications of each principle and being able to make a choice:
From a Trel point of view the most basic level of belief is that the universe is basically perfect and life can simply be accepted as it is. There is no need to challenge anything or attempt to change anything.
The Karl recognises and works with the cycles of life, the daily cycle of day and night, the seasons of the year, and even the cycles of economic prosperity and the rise and fall of civilisations. Everything has its time and in the periods of plenty we can prepare for the hard times which will follow in turn.
The Herse or warrior does not accept cycles of life so easily, and takes action to counter the suffering which comes with greed and desire. With self denial and the courage to confront the warrior challenges those he sees as wicked and in need of restraint.
The Jarl puts his faith in tradition, laws, past prophecies, and in the making of judgements upon those who have transgressed in some way.
The Konge sees that each of these levels of awareness is valid in it’s own terms. However, there comes moments when the only way to save lives and confront evil is through self-sacrifice.
There is really nothing more ridiculous than conflict over religion. There is no wrong way of doing religion so long as no harm is being done. (I would draw the line at summoning demonic forces or human sacrifice). There are simply different levels of belief which may be adopted at will. Responding to the perfection of the universe and the wonder of nature with awe and reverence is perfectly appropriate. Recognising the cycles of life and the planets and working with these patterns is essential to the survival of our species. Evil and the suffering it causes should be rejected and when possible forcefully resisted. There is wisdom to be found in sacred texts and in long term traditions. However, such wisdom is only useful if it is intelligently interpreted for your own time.
There may also be situations when engaging with the world means risking our lives. Why would we risk our lives for someone else or a cause? If you can see that it would be impossible to live the rest of your life knowing that you failed to do what was necessary at that moment in time then you really don't have much choice.
Some pagans seem to believe that Christianity ruined the authentic nature based religions of antiquity. Some Christians are convinced that celebrating the sacred in a natural setting is pretty much devil worship. However, just as I like to believe that Stav martial training equips me with an understanding of how to deal with conflict situations on multiple levels, then the same is true of religious experience and practice.
In this season of Easter we remember that the supreme being created a perfect universe. He created seasons and cycles of life including birth and death. Conscious awareness and total free will was granted to our species which means that selfish choices and mistakes will be made, choices and mistakes which will bring suffering and misery to those who are afflicted. We will also have the opportunity of protecting and supporting those who are attacked and exploited. Over the centuries the teachings and guidance of wise and enlightened have been recorded and passed on in oral traditions and in written form. Sometimes these teachings have been the foundations of civilisation in the best sense. Sometimes the same traditions are used to justify oppression and exploitation.
The message of Easter is that the supreme being, having created a race of conscious beings capable of exercising free will, chose to involve himself in history and set an example of self-sacrifice for the purpose of saving those who will listen from fear and despair and showing how to exercise free will in accordance with divine will.
Happy Easter everyone.
Regards
Graham
PS We had a successful day training in Salisbury on the 5th of April. Thanks to all those who attended. I will be announcing another date for the Autumn soon.
PPS Stavcamp will be in early September this year. I will be adding a lot more information soon but the essentials are right here. http://www.stavcamp.org/
Graham Butcher
21 Beaver Road
Beverley East Yorkshire HU17 0QN
UNITED KINGDOM
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