In these last few months, as I’ve learned to lean into the metaphysical embrace of my surprising trickster deity, I’ve also learned that my fellow Lokeans are–so far without exception–warm, generous with advice and support, and often quite funny and smart. They are also extremely creative, judging from the fabulous mix of artwork, costumes, jewelry design, stained glass windows, and other devotional objects created in honor of Loki (who is an excellent muse). But there’s so much more.
I was desperate for emotional support during the two weeks I spent evacuating from the July-August California Ranch Fire, along with my four cats. (At one point the fire was just over the ridge behind my house.) Overall I had a good amount of attentive care from friends and family, but panic attacks come without warning, and so I often had an immediate need for reassurance. I sometimes find it hard to reach out to my people when I’m in acute distress (I’m wary of inflicting compassion fatigue). However, the Facebook groups, Loki’s Wyrdlings and The Lokean Collective, were always available as long as I had internet access and I could and did post at times about the fires and my plight. People responded with expressions of sympathy and I felt better for it. Right now, several members of those groups are enduring Hurricane Florence on the East Coast, and again, I see an outpouring of caring messages.
Reading about shared experiences and “UPGs” (unverified personal gnosis) are also important to me. I posted yesterday about the current phase I’m experiencing. It seems like everyone I know (from casual acquaintances to close family members) cannot help revealing–in unmistakable ways–exactly now much I can or cannot count on them. Or they are compelled to display personality traits or opinions which let me know where I stand, or would stand, if I got any closer. (Here’s one example.) So in addition to some very pleasant surprises with people I’d now like to know better, I’ve also withdrawn from a few others. I’d been thinking this may be the result of Loki’s famous “let’s shake everything up and clear out the garbage” influence, which can apparently wham the unsuspecting novice. This likelihood was confirmed by the responses I’ve gotten to my post. (Yes, I knew things could get “interesting” when I welcomed this spiritual force into my life.)
Now my ordinary days are not complete without engaging in the above Facebook groups, as well as checking The Lokean Welcoming Committee for new posts, archived guidance, and artwork. I also like Light a Candle for Loki, which presents opportunities to express praise, gratitude, or requests. I like reading what other people have posted and I often post myself. Those Loki limericks? That was me (though most of my “candle” posts tend to be devotional). And recently there’s been an informative and respectful thread on The Troth members list about Loki’s associations with fire. All of this is quite helpful for a newbie.
I haven’t mentioned the various blogs I’ve found, as I’ve hardly made a dent in discovering and reading them, but Grumpy Lokean Elder is already a favorite. I should devote an entire post to other people’s blogs (and books!), and I will when I get a little further along in my discoveries. So if I follow your blog but haven’t mentioned you yet, I will at a later date!
So I guess what I’m saying is that through the miracle of the internet, I find myself with something of a far-flung kindred and as I’m learning to love my god, I’m also finding I adore his people.
There. Lokean Love Letter sent! You guys are the best!
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Lady Of The Lake 