Best to begin with the idea that there is more than one thing to express reverence and gratitude to in this life.
The Gods and not gods that make up the group honored as Kindred Spirits most often exist outside of normal awareness,imaginations or beliefs of worshipers.
They are not beings as wished for, or a chosen group of favorite things to own and direct.
They do not require sacrifice devotion or recognition to be naturally occurring spirit family.
Their individualization of will, Their thoughts, Their actions, Their voice are their own.
There is no need for implied contracts,swearing of oaths, making vows and keeping promises.
Yet
An imperfect connection with imperfect knowledge exists, that some how,
acts of Appreciation - Kindness- Love - Caring are able to cross space and time.
spirit encouragement has value between beings, between worlds,between ages.
The sincerity of the source of expression is the vital element of the form and composition of the energy spirit feeling exchange flow.
Complementary resonance may or may not be reciprocated with the free will and unique styling of Kindred Spirits or other spirit agents.
Important to mean what you say, and say what you mean without words, if the expression compromises or corrupts the authentic exchange between spirits - distorts intention from affection to influence or entrapment, the imperfect connection with imperfect knowledge is itself not respected.
Yet
The holidays, the religions, the rituals, the words ,
the practices are not the original expression of individuals, but the habits of groups of people.
It is not in an of itself the direct full experience of personal connection,
but a socially acceptable stylized approximation,
a reminder that becomes tradition ,collected, bundled and passed on as group thought,group action, group voice, group will.
With it claims of special access or favor by participating and contributing to sustaining the standards of the tradition.
The importance of the "deal" as part of group spiritual practices is more about human understanding and comfort than a specific near perfect exclusive relationship dynamic with the spirit world.
Claiming to know.
Yet
I find myself identified as a priest in a religion that to me is about, "Getting to know".
I focus on repeated group holiday ritual experience as being the opportunity to reintroduce, remember...
It begins with Loving this Whole World.
All of the planetary anatomy and composition, layers of minerals, numerous gases, moving waters.
All of the Life and Living that takes place , that has taken place,
Here
All the struggles, All the storms, All of the centuries, Home for us all.
It is an honor to live, to move about on this land, to breath the air, share of it's water.
