Zaubereigarten

Heil der Rebecca
Pat and I wanted to interview you for our zaubereigarten.com site http://www.zaubereigarten.com/ interview series since you are uniquely PA Deutsch/Deitsch and Heathen and experienced in it beyond you years. So if its agreeable here we go:
 
 
Rebecca Radcliff is an integral member of the Heathen community in Pennsylvania.  She is a mother and wife, artist, serious Rune student, officer in the Reading Pagan and Witches non-profit org., and Hex with deep knowledge of die blantz (plants).  She is also one of the co-founders of Haukafell Kindred, and voice for women in the greater heathen and pagan communities.
 
 
First question:
Hunter:
Rebecca you have a way with the Blantz, (plants) what draws you to them? In your opinion, how do they differ spiritually from animals and humans?

Rebecca:
This is a fantastic question. Where do I begin?
The beauty of the plant world became my first attraction to the plant world. It started in my Mother’s garden - the hen and chicks covering the ground, the hidden mantises within her azaleas, the rainbow of irises towering to nearly my own height, and the strawberries who welcomed themselves into our neighbors garden - providing their sweet goodness for both our homes to share. Then one day, I found Sage (Salvia officinalis), which I had planted in my mom’s yard. My studies began expanding into medicinal uses, and I began running into the ceremonial and spiritual uses through time. I was fascinated, and began exploring more and more the wonderful and diverse uses of plants - weeds (herbs), trees, cactuses, and so forth. At that point…they went beyond beauty and medicine. Fibers, Dyes, Foods, Structures, Hunting tools, Bedding/Filling, Art…I couldn’t stop! …And to that, is where I connect with your first question. It was easy for me to feel a spiritual connection with the cuddly cat that purrs to sleep on my lap, or the charm of the wolf or bird in flight. Though I connect with that associative kin spirit, the relationship is slightly different than with plants. Plants are teachers, healers. Like animals, they respond to interaction and communication, and vice versa. But they are different. They grow differently, they relate to the world differently, and (for the most part) are used entirely differently inside ourselves, and outside us.

It’s amazing how engrossed and abstracted one can become in their gardening. Look at how community gardens bring strangers together. It’s no surprise to me that those who garden tend to find themselves become healthier. It’s not just being “outside and moving around”, it’s also largely in part to becoming one with the essence of those little living spirits in your garden - working with them and understanding their needs, and sharing that correlation together.
There is a common saying – you are what you eat. I take this on a spiritual level, in conjunction with the healthful effects. When we ingest plants, we take on their spirit; their life energy. The liveliness of the carrot, the seduction of a cherry, and the fiesta in the cayenne! But it certainly doesn’t stop there. Look at the Jivaro’s  use of ayahuasca, the “little death” and it’s affects on the mind and body. Or something as simple as what an herb bath can do to our inner souls/outer spirit/and well being. My answer could go on and on!  
 
Hunter:
We share a certain part of Berks County in common, what effect does that part of the county have that remains in one's blood?
 
Rebecca:
It’s a little hard to say, because I have spent my entire life living in Berks County, and have not had much exposure outside of here, lol! But what I can say is that the culture is deeply ingrained in our families here – even without intention. As I grow older and learn more about Deitsch culture, I’m finding most of it has already been inside me all along – or taught to me not just through the traditions…but though the behavior of my parents and grandparents as well. The whole attitude of peoples in our area tends to be different…more communal/tribal in some ways.  I was never really “shown” traditions. I grew up without religion entirely, with naught but an atheist grandmother and parents who “just didn’t care one way or the other”. It’s found through our gardening skills and weather forecasting (Is the dog/cat on their back? Are the ends or mid-section of the wooly worms black this year?). Eating pork and sauerkraut for prosperity in the new year. The significance of trees. The hex and fraktur art so common around here. Frankly, I couldn’t imagine a world in which I didn’t see the friendly distelfink or peaceful unicorns each time that I go to the local market to purchase home made sausage or the local, unpasteurized sauerkraut – not to mention learning to ferment our own by the same methods of my great-great grandmother from her harvested cabbage!

There’s a rich culture found in this part of the world that really cannot be found anywhere else. Though our culture *is* Germanic, there has been changes and evolution over the past 200+ years. I’m always amazed when I journey out just 50 miles west of here towards Philly, and seeing just how different those communities are from ours here – much more English it seems. And while the immediate culture isn’t quite as apparent, there are many overlapping traditions still.  It hasn’t affected our blood simply because it is our blood, it is who became in this tiny nook of the world as a result of our Germanic ancestors making the deep move for a new home.

 
Hunter:
You are unique in that you have the Deutsch blood born and raised in Berks County but you seem to have avoided the Deitsch (Pa Dutch) influences, how did that happen?

Rebecca:

I think this is mostly due to my being raised entirely without religion. The deepest Deitsch culture is found in the very religious families, it seems. But my family *is* primarily PA Deistch – not just German. Looking back to my great-great grandparents – they were all born and raised here. Up until my moms generation, my family was raised PA Deitsch. But for some reason, this was not passed to my mom. She was raised around the same traditions, but without the religious pathways behind them – and thus, did the same for me. I really believe that became the missing link that kept me away from the full influence. I connect with it no less, but have the blessing of not carrying the acquired dogma others sometimes carry with them.  

 
Hunter:
You are advanced beyond your years in your knowledge of Germanic Heathenry, in your opinion what differences stand out in your mind between the Nordic and Germanic versions?
 
Rebecca:
Well, this is an area I am still learning in. I see some differences in the lore, and I have noticed that oftentimes Germanic Heathens and those more Scandinavian do reference back and forth. I think what stands out most for me are the differences in traditions and culture. For example, our family traditionally leaves out the last sheaf of wheat for Sleipner as Odin runs the last of the Wild Hunt. The original Santa Claus, it seems. While in Scandinavia, Thor is seen as the “Yule Elf” with his “Yule Goats” (hence the Julbok).

Frau Holle is also largely acknowledged among Germanic heathens (who also leads the Wild Hunt), but not necessarily among the Scandinavians (some even attribute her to being Frigga, though I do not believe that she is). Back on the lore for a moment. The Eddas for one, are Norse (well, Icelandic in origin), as well as the Sagas. I find a real passionate connection with the Scandinavian side of the fence, but feel a strong ancestral connection to the Germanic side, thus I continue to explore!

 
Hunter:
Where do you see Heathenry going in Pennsylvania in the future?
 
Rebecca:

Well, the Heathen community…just in the past year has more than doubled in size. There are at least two well established Kindreds in PA, and now we find ourselves nearer to 6 or 7 in a very short time, as well – in many different branches. Generally speaking, there has been a lot of frith among the communities. The expansion has created many different voices in the community. We’ve been able to expand Asatru/Heathen awareness vastly through our growth in this corner of the world. And it really isn’t that hard, since our regional area of this country is primarily centered around Germanic culture and tradidions!  Additionally, there’s another form of magical practice that is found in Pennsylvania that doesn’t touch many other places…and those heathens who are bringing these old Germanic traditions back to life in Heathenry, I believe will impact the future of that branch. And through the continual growth between each kindred and branch, I hope to see our faith as a whole become much stronger. To see old traditions reborn, families enriched, and those drawn to Heathenry discovering more in themselves, and finding their way back home. Certainly, I see the community going no where but up from here. Growing together, each with our own voices, enriching the tree that is Heathenry/Asatru.
 
Hunter:
In your knowledge of the plants, would you consider yourself as a herbalist or something else?

Rebecca:

That’s a good question. I’m still pretty young, and I’ve only been intensely studying herbs for the past ten years or so, but more often than not independently. Hers are a way of life for me. I use them for everything from companion gardening and IPM to our home cleaners and hygienic goods. But regarding title, I’m not sure what I am yet. Professionally, I’m still finding my way. I’m currently looking towards Naturopathy – but have considered Naturopathic Oncology. I’ve also considered creating my own career as a “Culinary Herbalist” or a “Healing Chef” (and yes…I just made both of those up, lol). I’m strongly interested in nutrition – but not in the modern careers provided for them!

For many folks (but certainly not all), being an herbalist seems to be mainly about healing illness and disease. I just love exploring, learning, and experiencing what I can do with the bounty at our doorstep. I enjoy the relationship created with it. I enjoy picking what most consider “weeds” from a yard and turning them into a savory, nutritious feast for my family and friends. I’m a healer at heart. I see being an herbalist as encompassing all of what I’ve mentioned and more (I haven’t even touched on plant spirituality!). All that said, I do consider myself an herbalist, just not in the mundane sense, I guess.

 

Pat:
Tell us a bit about Haukafell Kindred.  I have met all of the members and this one has a beauty to it.  It works!  How was it formed and how does it thrive?  

Rebecca:
Well, I’ll start with introducing the Kindred. It was founded by four Heathens (two married couples: Jen & Eric, Jesse & myself). About four years ago, in a general Pagan gathering in Reading, PA, Eric and I met. A little while later, our families connected. We spent almost 2 years celebrating holidays together and getting to know each other. In the beginning of 2007, we began talking about forming a kindred, and mutually agreed to sit on it. A year later, we brought it up again, and made it official, as of Jan. 1^st, 2008. I am telling you this because it’s one reason we thrive so well. We didn’t meet and form in weeks or months - we spent real time together, and allowed our children to grow together, as well. When the time came, knowing wasn’t even a question anymore. That’s really important. Sometimes when folks “just meet” they are so excited to be together they feel they “just know they should form”…but time goes on, and that doesn’t always become the case anymore. They get stuck having to deal with that - which is hard for everyone then.

But that’s just crust on the pie. We support each other. When we plan our events, we really work together on it. If there are concerns or if someone is uncomfortable with something, the issue is addressed and we work through them as a family (on all sides, not just one). We take care of each other. Additionally, we project the same attitude towards others in the community. We do our best to make sure that our friends feel safe, warm, and good at our events. We like to inspire creativity, good times, and memories that last a lifetime.

That’s what it’s all about. We’re not just people getting together to celebrate holidays. We are family, friends – building a community together, building our lives together with those who join us.

 
Pat:
You are an officer in the Reading Area Pagans group.  How does this fit with your Heathenry?  What are the differences, commonalities that you have found amongst Heathen and Wiccan’s, for instance?

 

Rebecca:

Well, in all honesty, it really doesn’t fit in! LOL. I first began spending time with the Reading Pagans and Witches (aka RPW) before they became “RPW”, about 5, maybe 6 years ago. It was a way for me to socialize with others in non-mainstream religions. While I found many friends, I just didn’t find anyone I could connect with spiritually. Let’s face it; Heathenry is different from neo-Paganism and Wicca! And for a while, it was discouraging. But I realized something. It’s not always about being the same. Sometimes, being different is a blessing in that you are able to provide a unique voice to the community. And in doing so, one can inspire others to find their own cultural path/heritage/religion. I was able to introduce reconstructionism into the mix, and every once in a while it really clicks with someone and they find their way “home”. I enjoy helping and spreading/inspiring education. I don’t know it all, but I can help others. When we began moving into a non-profit status and I was elected into office as the Events & Field Trips Coordinator, it was a real blessing. I was able to incorporate many educational workshops, cultural field trips and new entertainment to the group. I’ve met many wonderful folks, and in return have learned so much.

Additionally, I have found myself being put into the role as frith-keeper and frith-builder. And I’m ok with that, too. I’ve gotten a lot of criticism and loss of respect for staying with the neo-Pagan community from other Asatruar/Heathens over the past couple of years. They can’t understand why I stay, and tell me I am wasting my time. But I think it’s important that we represent our faith among those communities *especially* because this is where we are most misunderstood! AND this is where we can most easily clear up the air. I truly believe this is the perfect place to create real awareness of our faith – and in my few years of experience, it’s been proven. And while I know I’m not the only one, I sure hope I’m not always going to feel like I am…and that others will begin to understand why it should not always be considered a waste of time.
 
Pat:
So what is it like raising two young sons as Heathens? 

 

Rebecca:

This is one of the best parts!! It’s been a wonderful experience for the most part. We enjoy telling stories from the lore at bedtime. Putting offerings out on the horgr for the Landvaettir and/or Gods. And hearing their genuine thoughts during Blot is very special. But most of all, I find it inspiring to teach them the virtues and the meaning of values in life - through the spectrum of our Ancestors. Allowing them to experience culture in all the wonder and magic. And for them, it really is magical. From the Julbok that leaves them coins in exchange for straw at Yule to chasing away Old Man Winter in the Spring to releasing the bark boats full of offerings for the Landvaettir in the Summer – and eating the yummy goodness they grew from the garden in the Fall. My older son used to sleep with a Thor doll to keep the “nightmare giants” away as a kid, lol. Just recently, I spied my children holding a blot between themselves and their toy horn in their bedroom (the elder son even libated the faux mead, and corrected his younger brother on pronunciations!).

On the other hand, I’ve learned so much from them and the way they understand and grow. I’ve become more inspired as a result of teaching them and watching them. I am as much a student as I am a teacher. And I’m proudly humbled by that. Some times, raising children can be hard…but in the end, it’s rewarding and amazing in ways I just never saw coming.
 
Pat:
You are also an artist.  How has Heathenry affected your work?

 

Rebecca:

Before I was heathen, my inspiration came from outside sources – a beautiful mountain, mating insects, a bird in flight, a wolf on the hunt, a sprite in a story. And though I was expressing these things through my drawings or paintings or sculptures through my own interpretation of them…it was still primarily an outer inspiration.

But since I “came home” and found my inner spirituality and faith I have found inspiration in different ways – from within myself. From thoughts, images from meditation or dream, as a way to subconsciously understand what I’m having a hard time seeing in the mundane world. As a way to explore pathways. And when combined with outer inspiration, that art becomes an explosion of wonder!
 
Pat:
I know you are a serious student of the Runes?  How do you incorporate these into your life?

Rebecca:

The lessons that I have so far learned from the Runes inspire me every day, even among the smallest, or most common of tasks. I incorporate them into my small herbal and clothing business, especially when vending at festivals. I find them useful when I’m about to do a speech or workshop. When I am nervous, or look for added strength in healing or other forms. I am largely inspired with them in my artwork, spurring from meditation, but also my dreams. More recently, I had this fascinating dream where I kept seeing my brain – literally. The image was incredible an inward spiraling terdragon-like fractal (yes, I actually had to look that up!) from the shapes and colors of my brain and woven within it was the Ansuz rune. And the bounce between spiraling fractal and brain was like the pulse of a heart. Very intense! I also incorporate the Runes in my knitting and sewing, as well as in my cooking and cleaning around the home. I work with them, not them by themselves being the only means. And, I’m always learning. It’s a beautiful, progressively spiraling relationship.

 

I enjoy answering questions that make me really think, and am always up for a new adventure. Thank you for the opportunity!