Discovering the Spirit of Romuva-The power of words

Romuva is a name given to the ancient Lithuanian and Baltic way of living revived in the modern world, in a modern context. The journey to the discovery of Romuva for me has been life long and enjoyable. Romuva is still continuing to give me joyous revelations every day through my own daily and yearly adherence to the ancient Lithuanian customs, as they relate to me as an Australian Lithuanian and living in Australia. The key to unlocking the wisdom of my Ancestors was found in reading the many folktales still preserved in volumes recorded by various Ethnographers, who thankfully wrote in English as well.+ The reading* of the folktales is certainly not limited to Lithuanian tales but those from all indigenous people around the world. The tales of all indigenous people are remnants of my Ancestors in this life and also from many other previous lives that I've lived through. It is however the Lithuanian tales that have revealed to me, an ancient mythology and morality of my Ancestors. The Tales revealed a refreshingly simple and seemingly logical worldview/feeling and morality, that I was easily able to relate to, in my current life.

Another key that helped me to find the Spirit of Romuva was in studying the language and grammar of Lithuanian language. I was not raised speaking Lithuanian and what I have learnt is mostly self taught. I still have much problem with pronunciation, some words are real tongue twisters and correct pronunciation and inflexion is paramount, for people to understand what you are saying. I have sung with the Sydney Lithuanian folk choir for around 10 years and learnt many of the correct prononciations. The experience with the choir also gave me a deeper understanding of the emotive power of Lithuanian words and especially when sung. Lithuanian language is very expressive and has many diminutives. For example, there are 80 words for Mother. I don't know them all but they are varying terms of endearment. So as you could imagine that learning vocab is an ongoing quest. I believe that the words spoken by my ancestors in prayers, chants and songs, have a very real power and energy that raises energy in the individual speaking/singing the words and those who hear them. 

All words have power, and singing the words makes them more powerful. I experienced such a raising of energy when I was in Lithuania last year and participated in many songs and dances around the sacred Fire altar. Each time I felt enlivened, encouraged, peaceful, nurtured and safe. My internal eternal Fire was really stoked and I felt warm and even blinded by the brightness of the flame! Since returning to Australia and not having my weekly singing rehearsals, my internal fire has dimmed a little, but still burning strong within me. I think I need to reconnect with a Lithuanian choir here in Australia to get my fix! :)

The key to finding your own path can be found in connecting to the words of the old, ancient and wise. The ancient words of tales, incantations and songs have a special power while all words still have the power to transform your mind body and Spirit. Negative words have equal power but I don't want to give negative power, energy here, so I won't speak about it. I will say however, that negative words has equal power to be destructive for your Soul and Being.

How has finding Romuva transformed me, you may ask?

* I have found total peace at various times in my life when harmony is established in my life. I understand that Harmony is never static and constantly changes and so I must constantly strive to re-establish Harmony. I have learnt to be flexible so I can change, when needed, and continue to strive in order to maintain, foster, nurture actions that are harmonious with my life, my community, my Gods and Goddesses and Ancestors. 

* I have become more ecologically aware as the understanding that we owe our survival to the Mother Earth and so we need to nurture Her if She is to continually nurture us. 

* I have become more grateful for the many blessings in my life that were not possible for my ancestors who really did it tough. 

* I have become more compassionate with my fellow humans and understand the need to foster community where I live. 

By adhering to Romuva:

-I see all life as sacred and eternal, animate and inanimate. From trees, animals to Rocks, Waters, Fire, Sun and Moon all have their own energy and life force which is holy and should be respected. I have always known, within myself, this universal truth and Romuva has broadened this understanding.

-I have found a morality in Romuva that isn't dictatorial but by adhering to the ways of establishing harmony, 

-I have found that living a life that acknowledges the cycles of life and the seasons in a respectful way will naturally guide you to a type of morality. This morality is not uncommon among other religious/spiritual groups with a few differences that are unique to the ancient Lithuanians. 

Lithuanian morality is defined by the following:

-Love and care for the Earth 

-Love and care for people especially those in need in your community. Love others as yourself but remembering a Lithuanian proverb that suggests, if someone throws a stone at you then, pick it up and throw it back twice as hard, so they'll think twice about doing it again. None of this turn the other cheek business!

-Respect and care for our Elders and taking time to listen to their stories.

-The importance of the stability of the family unit. I understand that today there are many variations on the traditional family model. Traditionally the family model was very set. My ancestors were very focused on the importance of marrying, having children and having functional families in order to have a functional community. The aim is still the same today but we have much more diversity in family models. Divorced couples marrying and raising each others children. De-facto and married couples fulfilling the same roles. Stay-at-home-Dads, single parent families and same sex families, all are able to function well if the same principles of love and respect, which are principles of Romuva, are practiced. The traditional principles and values of families still very much applies today and I believe that non traditional families should not be discriminated against because they don't fit the traditional model. This opinion differs from those in Lithuania who are very much anti divorce and anti gay. In Lithuania, the idea of an alternate family is unthinkable and abhorrent. We in the western world are more open minded because of historical differences. For example, Lithuania didn't experience the period of the 60's because the were oppressed and occupied by Russia where as much of the western world did experience hippy and free love philosophies.

Adhering to the tenets of Romuva has taught me many things that has brought a profound peace in my life. I know within myself that my Spirit has led me to this path for a good reason. After years of study and practice, I get it! I now feel the most complete I have ever felt in my life. I feel that I am connected to the world and Universe around me in such a real way that harmony seems to easily be found. By celebrating the seasonal and astronomical Sventes, throughout the year, connects me to the many natural cycles of Earth and Cosmos. In learning the words and language of my ancestors connects me with the past. I have learnt that there is wisdom in reading and absorbing the tales and songs of my Ancestors. Romuva has taught me that the ancient Lithuanian mythologies, customs and morals revealed in fables, tales and proverbs are not entirely redundant and many aspects are still very relevant to all of us living today and into the future.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my words on the power of words and I hope that they empower you to strengthen your own path.


References

*Reading* -note the use of a continual verb. I have found that it's not, "having read" the folktales as a once off activity but by continually and regualrily reading them reveals the underlying wisdom the more you read them.

+Suggested reading list:
Lithuanian Mythological Tales by Norbertas Velius
Lithuanian Etiological Tales by Norbertas Velius
Lithuanian folk tales by Zobarskas
Evening Song by Vytautas F Beliajus
folk tales from the Soviet Union by Raduga Publishers Moscow

Discovering the Spirit of Romuva-Romuvos Springtime customs

It must be remembered that Lithuania is in the Northern hemisphere, in the arctic circle and seasonally opposite. Even though Winters in Lithuania,  can get as cold as -45 degrees Celsius and Australia has very different climates, I think that the essence of the seasonal rites are still relevant to me here in Australia. I have found true harmony in my own life by adhering to the Lithuanian customs of my ancestors that are appropriate to Australian conditions. As Lithuania has such an extreme Winter, it is not surprising that people anticipate its' arrival a month or more before it actually arrives. The joy and celebration in the arrival of Spring is probably more deeply rooted in Lithuanian hearts and minds because of such bitter Winters. Their enthusiasm and joy is an inspiration to me. I will actually start with when peoples’ minds first turn towards the upcoming Springtime although Spring officially starts at the Spring Equinox and continue until the Summer Solstice. Then there are 4 main celebrations which I will briefly explain.

In the Wiccan calendar, recognition of the coming Springtime starts with Imbolc. This is traditionally the time when the first of the lambs are born on the farm. People everywhere start to look forward to the coming of Spring with eagerness. In the Lithuanian calendar, the time of Imbolc is celebrated in 2 separate days of celebration usually at the beginning of February. These days are called the day of Gabija, Goddess of the hearth followed by the day of Perkunas the Thunderer.

The Day of Gabija, gives thanks to the Goddess for her assistance to survive the long cold Winter nights. She gives us warmth, light and cooks our food. Gabija is also the Goddess of grains and so feasting on this day includes bread and other grain meals. The Fire of Gabija is very dear to Lithuanian people. Once, Lithuanians were described as Fire worshipers by historical chroniclers but this was simply a misunderstanding. Fire to Lithuanian people is considered to be a gateway to the realms of the Gods, Goddesses and ancestors through which offerings and prayers can be made. There is not a single Lithuanian festival celebration that does not include Fire in some way and the day of Gabija is no exception.

Death candle/candle of Perkunas made on the Day of Perkunas.

Next, 3 days later the Day of Perkunas, the Thunderer is celebrated. This is the day when people give honour to Perkunas and make death candles to protect the home and individual from Thunder strikes, ill health, misfortune and also to light at funerals to guide the Soul of the deceased to Dausos,(Paradise), to be with their ancestors. It is from this day that people keep an ear out for the first Thunder which is believed to wake Nature from Winter slumber as He shakes the very roots in the ground with his mighty peels of thunder. Once the first sound of Thunder is heard, people rejoice in the fact that Spring will not be far away.

The next Winter festival that heralds the coming Spring is called Užgavenes, also known as Mardi Gras,Carnival, Pancake Tuesday and Shrove. The last term is a Catholic references but the festival has roots purely from the Pagan customs of Lithuania.  Užgavenes is a rite to usher away Winter and welcome the coming Spring. Užgavenes is alot of fun with lots of dancing, singing and eating with costumed people who dressed as a wide variety of characters from the mundane to the mythological. People dressed as Witches, devils, Goddesses, bears, Storks, etc are common. People delight in the ritual murder of an effigy of the Hag of Winter called the More, at the end of the day.

On the first weekend of March, just a couple of weeks before the Spring Equinox in Lithuania, there is the largest folk art market in Vilnius,(the capital), than anywhere else in Eastern Europe. This festive time is a chance for people to express their national pride by buying folk art and items from local artisans. During this market called Kazuko Mugė there is a parade to honour Lithuanian Saint Kazimeras and I was proud to help carry a sculpture of Kalvelis, the Blacksmith God who is features in traditional folk tales. It is said that it was He who forged the Sun disc and threw Her into the Sky. Kalvelis features in this parade because He represents the return of the Sun after the long nights of Winter.

Lithuania celebrates the arrival of Spring at the Equinox with bonfires, Fire sculptures and Fire dances. Public Fire twirling are common. The mood of the whole country seems to shift into a different gear as people welcome longer days and anticipate much work if they live on the farm.

Velykos is Easter also known as Velykiu Velines, the Springtime remembrance of the Souls, Spirits and ancestors. which varies in April. People visit cemeteries and tend graves of Ancestors and loved ones. People exchange coloured and decorated eggs with ancient symbols of fertility and rebirth. Egg games played. Certain foods are blessed to ensure you have food all year. People whip others with Verbos,(green branch), and sprinkle with blessed water. People believe in the magic of the green branch to bless all things from cow udders, fruit trees and people. The irony that many Pagan customs survived because of the Catholic/Christian celebration called Easter! 

Just a week or two later, Lithuanians celebrate a festival called Jorė named after the Spring Thunder God. People gather in holy places like castlemounts, Rocks, lakes and Oak trees. Feasting, singing and making offerings to around 15 vegetation Gods and Goddesses to ensure a good harvest. During the festival of Jore, there are medieval re enactments of historic battles against the various Crusaders, who tried to invade Lithuania for almost 300 years!. Naturally the Pagan Lithuanians always win!

The final festival of Spring is called Gegužines when Milda, (Goddess of love) and Laima, (Goddess of fate), are honored. Single young women and men are blessed to find love and a good destiny. Laima comes to us as the Cuckoo bird and when the first sound of Her call. There is a superstition that when people hear Her for the first time, what they're doing at the time will determine the fortune of the next year. If a person has money in his pocket at the time then they will have enough money for the next year. If they are lazing then they can expect a lazy year but if working hard then there will be plenty of work that year. I'm sure you get the idea of this superstition. 

In Australia, where I live, we don't have Cuckoo birds native but I have become aware that at this time in our seasonal cycle, when the weather starts to get even warmer, the Cookool bird comes into my area. Her call is quite distinctive; I think she sounds like a chicken being strangled! I always instinctively check my pockets and take note of what I'm doing when I hear her, for the first time each year. 

I hope you have enjoyed reading about Lithuanian Pagan customs and hope that my article might inspire you with enthusiasm and joy for your own path in this season of rebirth of nature. 

DAINU SVENTE 10

Dainu Svente 2010-Folksong Festival 2010
Location: Vilnius, capital of Lithuania. Katedros Aikste,(Cathedral square), located at the base of King Gediminas' castle hill.
Background: Grand Duke Gediminas was the last Pagan King of Lithuania who ruled the Baltic lands from 1295 to 1316. His history is very interesting and can be read about in the historical chronicles and all I will say here is that he was a very smart man in diplomatic negotiations and strategies which maintained the freedoms of Lithuanian Pagans to resist Christian conversion, united Baltic tribes and iwas the founder of Vilnius. Some say that he was the champion of Lithuanian Paganism.

In the basement, underneath the cathedral and underneath the pulpit of Cathedral, still lies Gediminas' altar. On this Fire altar, sacrifices and offerings were made to Perkunas, who was the mightiest and greatest Lithuanian God, the Thunderer, and various Gods and Goddesses, including Zemyna(Earth Goddess) and Medeina Zvoruna, Hare God/Goddess of the beasts of the forest. This sacred altar was located in a royal and ancient Oak grove, which grew at the base of Gediminas' hill fort, now the site of the Cathedral.

This place has much accumulated energy from those medieval times, hundreds of years ago and so is a magnet for Romuvai people in Vilnius. Even though the Cathedral is a Christian building there are many features of the old pagan customs. The location of the Cathedral not only preserved King Gediminas altar but also located the pulpit to be right above the pulpit. The relief at the front of the Cathedral depicts the old custom of giving thanks, sacrifices and offerings to the Gods and Goddesses  through the Fire Rite!

This clip, which starts in Cathedral Square, is very poignant to the discovery of Romuva because it shows the Lithuanian Pagan/Folk custom of raising energy through song, sound and movement. I will explain the activities, to the best of my knowledge and understanding to searchers of Romuva, a better understanding themselves. I will apologise in advance as the camera man was a bit shaky in places.

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 0.13 minutes: Drums are instruments of Perkunas, the Thunder God. The sound of drums recalls one to remember the sound of thunder. The drummers here are clearly expressing peels of rolling Thunder.

1.39 mins: "People/Earthlings! Lift up your voices so that it may cross over!" People assemble in circular groups and sing a traditional song. I don't know this particular song so i can't explain it, sorry. Perhaps one of my readers can elucidate on this one.

2.21 mins: Prayer- 

"Oak!, originally from the beginning of beginnings, OAK!,lift our hearts to be free!"

Followed by rythmic beat.

4.15 mins: Prayer- 

"Zemele, dear Earth! Whom we come from!"

Followed by the "Bear dance". People growl like Bears as they sing,"Bear dancing song", and dancing like a Bear. When the music stops, people turn and grab the next person by the shoulders or hands and jump up and down, growling loudly. It's quite alot of fun too!

6.00 mins:Prayer-"visos Perkunai",(all to Perkunas, the Thunderer.)
Followed by an activity that in which I haven't personally participated. It looks fun and great for back cracking! It could also be a display of strength, alluding to the quality of mighty Perkunas as being strong. Only men are seen to do this activity.

6.30 mins:prayer-

"We lift up our feet and when we dance we will lift up our joyfulness also" .

Followed by several unfamiliar songs and dances. I can really see the energy being raised with these dances, as it inter weaves among all the participants with their songs, dances and unified intent. Binding them together with this beautiful and unique form of cohesion. This is a truly ancient form of magic which is has been described by Sir George Frazer as Sypathetic magic in his book titled, "The Golden Bough". He believes that Sympathetic magic had the aim to benefit the whole community and not a select few. I believe that his research on this topic is well founded and this old and profound form of spirituality can be seen in this whole clip of Lithuanian Romuvai and other Lithuanian folk groups.

9.14 mins: You can see footage of Krivis Jonas Trinkunas and his lovely wife,Inija.

9.48 mins:Prayer-

"If you are the Earth, do you hear us?. whether we live or die, whether we prosper or have hunger, it is because of you.

You feed us and make the path of our spirit clear! free your voice to her!"

10.12 mins: People then touch and kiss the Earth whispering a short prayer of thanks and listening for her reply. A chant to Zemyna, the Earth Goddess follows. Priestess Inija Trinkuniene leads the chant.

11.19 mins:prayer-translation to come.
Followed by a song that includes the words,

"Strength/addition to dear Father, strength/addition to dear Mother, strength/addition to dear brother, strength/addition to dear Sister"

14.50 mins: Song titled "Dobila"(Clover) is sung as all the participants exit the square and walk to Bernadine park where the songs continue.

20.30 mins:Inija Trinkuniene leads Kulgrinda singing group who strive to restore of the the old ways and promote Romuva with the traditional songs, dances and music.

27.10 mins: Kulgrinda sing, "Zemynele ziedkele",(Blossoming of Dear Zemyna)

29.10 mins: Kulgrinda sing a song about linen. This song is accompanied by actions of sowing, growing, harvesting, processing spinning, and weaving linen. Can you see the actions?. This song is a typical example of an old Lithuanian style of songs called sutartines.

33.27 mins: Krivis Jonas Trinkunas leads a song of the might, strength and pride of Vilnius city. This song has been recorded from the time of King Gediminas.

25.05 mins: Lithuanian horns are blown it the fashion of sutartines.

35.20 mins: From this point in the clip till the end, you will see various folk choirs singing traditional songs.

36.56 mins: Representatives of different areas carry flags of their area. This flag of area of Electrenai features the King of snakes which is not only a reverred Lithuanian pagan animal, but also referring back to the famous folktale called, "Egle".
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I hope this clip and my explanations have been able to reveal the Lithuanian pagan custom of raising energy through song and movement. I was very privileged to take part in many of these customs when I was in Lithuania last year. The experience was life changing for me as I felt that my eternal internal Fire was stoked into a blaze. Taking part in these customs, not only raises energy for a common celebration of nature but also raises energy within each person. Participating in these customs, really stirred genuinely cathartic revelations that served to enrich the depth and breadth of my faith, spirituality and my personal convictions in a very real and even palpable way. My understanding of energy and the purpose for raising energy has expanded. I wish all searchers of the Pagan ways could experience such ancient customs because I am sure that their own path will be enriched also. I am not advocating for some form of Christian conversion to Romuva, but instead want to offer the wider Pagans a sense of community and oneness in intent which can really raise much power to expand our awareness and help our Mother Earth in so many ways.

I see much disharmony in the Pagan community which is too complex to discuss in any detail but I believe that Mother Earth is the one unifying force of most, if not all Pagans in the world. So, my insight has lead me to see that the Pagan community will unite under Her banner,  and with songs, dance and art, we can find harmony and cohesion to work together to raise awareness of the Mother and Her needs and how we can nurture Her in a better way so that we will survive as a species. Mother Earth and Her Nature will continue until eternity and long after humans become extinct. Humans need the Earth Mother more than She needs us but with the right care and nurture of the Earth, She will care, nurture, nourish and sustain us to the point that our species and many countless other species will survive to flourish and bloom.

I believe that the sooner we reach this awareness, globally, the sooner we can evolve to the next level of spiritual enlightenment. I will always try to maintain and preserve the ancient wisdom of the Lithuanian Balts in it's pure form so that the Pagan world can hopefully benefit from our unique perspectives of the Earth, the world and their own path. Let there be Harmony!

Discovering the Spirit of Romuva- just one of the nocturnal worldviews of ancient Lithuanians

Brushed by death

The following is a poem/short story about what happened this week on Wednesday night during my journey from work to home. I have written this in the first person,present tense so that the reader can experience some of the terrifying experience. After the reading, I want to explain my own reflections and revelations as a result of the incident.

From work to home

Driving through the dark night,

 rainy, windy and stormy,

the car hit the water on the road,

time slowed and felt like it stopped,

the car seemed to glide though the air,

and spin like in a silent ballet.

I hold my breath and feel my heart stop

My eyes wide open, bracing for certain death.

This moment seemed to last forever,

waiting for this ordeal to be over.

eyes squinting, car sliding, sliding, sliding,

through small trees, I felt some ribs break

and with a shudder, crash and a bash,

the car comes to a stop in that grove.

In shock and disbelief, I sit there in the darkness,

alone, stunned, dazed, amazed and humbled.

what am I to do now? I'm alive!

the front doors wouldn't open,

car is snuggled tightly in the embrace of the trees,

I slowly climb out the back door & I'm free

Cars racing by, no one stopping to offer help.

Where are the Samaritans? Where are the Angels?

no one able, no one willing.

To the nearest exit on the freeway,

Walked a kilometre in the rain,

broken ribs throbbing with pain,

rain soaking me to the bone

feeling fragile and in need of assistance, I reach for my phone,

to call a friend to ask for help.

 I am relieved, I am met & rescued.

 The experience was scary and, in short, it renewed my passion for living life, in the beauty of the here and now. The experience reminded me, yet again, that the length of time in each life, that we live here on earth, is finite and every moment,every experience should be valued as though it could be your last opportunity to experience it. The lesson for me is to avoid procrastinating when possible. I understand that life can be fragile, fleeting and brief so take every opportunity to live life the best you can.   Just as most Cicadas only live 4-7 weeks, (some up to 17years), and they achieve their life goal! how much mofre time and opportunities do we get to evolve as a species with 50-90 years?! 

The fatal deception for those who believe in reincarnation, (myself included) , is the belief that time can be wasted in procrastination because there'll have many more lives in which to have the experiences and learn the lessons that aren't experienced in this current lifetime! I believe this philosophy is misguided and contradicts my own understanding of the Universal Truth in this case. I personally believe that the opportunities to have certain experiences may only limited to a particular lifetime or particular lifetimes, and not in all lifetimes. Just one simple example to explain this theory could be when a Soul born into wealth and health will have a different set of experiences and life lessons than a Soul who is born into poverty and ill health.

In so many aspects of this accident, I can truly say that I felt the presence of my Ancestors, Gods, Goddesses and Spirits of Nature. I will explain,firstly, the fact that I survived, relatively unharmed re affirms that the Goddess Laima has bestowed me with a well woven sash of many colors and patterns with many twists and curves, all of which I give thanks to her. A long time ago, at my bEarth, Laima petitioned with Dievas Sky God to have a favorable outcome to this accident and not allow her sister Giltine, (Goddess of Death), to cut my threads to my sash. Even despite the natural activity of Lietuvonis, Audra and Vejas. (God of Rain and daughters of Perkunas, the Thunderer, God of Storm and God of Wind), my thread was not meant to be cut! The harmony of these seemingly opposing forces of Nature, (Celestial,atmospheric, Spiritual and Earthly). These energies are revealed to me, in the form of Spirits, Gods and Goddesses, and I believe, showed me benevolence, by the fact that the small Trees whom I crashed into, cushioned the impact rather than resisting and thereby causing more injury and perhaps even my death. There are so many factors that could have made this experience so much worse but I did feel that I was being looked after.

Lastly but certainly not least, the genetic inheritance from my ancestors has given me my physical constitution and resilience which, I'm sure, is the reason that my bloodline has lasted to this day. I have been influenced and even guided, not only on this day, but also throughout my life by the combination of influences from my ancestral familial fortune and fate, and also by the journey of my own eternal Fire flame, my Spirit, through the Uni-verse and the full Song, (of which no one has yet heard it, in it's amazingly intricate entirety). The fortitude bestowed by my ancestors and ample allotment in this lifetime gives me a confident assurance and even certainty that the Goddess Laima has woven me a great sash which wasn't destined to end in this scary night.  

One more analogy of the accident is revealed in the title of this poem, "From work to home". Work represents to me as the mundane, routine part of my life and ,"Home", represents not only our physical home but also our individual emotional, mental and spiritual home which comes from our ancestral heritage. Our home is our castle as they say, and the strength of our home and self awareness of who I am in my home will determine how much success that I will experience in life. I can honestly say that this experience helped me to re assess priorities, in my personal life, in my home, and once again,  put issues and attitudes toward my mundane world of work in it's appropriate place in my life. Sometimes it takes an event like this to find focus life and sometimes it's just a loud reminder. I just wish lessons like this weren't so dramatic but I guess so long as the point is made and learnt, I won't have to repeat the lesson in possibly more drastic circumstances. What can I say but,"message received with thanks".

Baltu Dievybes

I really like this short presentation entitled "Baltic Deities", even if it only covers a handful of the Goddesses. I love the artful portrayal of the Goddess after each section and I think is very apt. 
To compliment this clip I have included a translation for non Lithuanian speakers. I believe that the faith should accessible to everyone and should not only be limited to Lithuanian speakers.
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Baltic deities

Ragana-Witch/Goddess of witchcraft

gamtos jegu valdytoja

Witch manager of the forces of nature

Ragana-moteriska pasaku ir sakmiu butybe, turinti stebuklingu galiu

Female witch tales and stories of creatures with magical power

Spejama, kad raganos buvo seniausiu laiku ziniuones, laikomos magijos veiksmu atlikeejomis.

It is believed since ancient times that Witches were presumed to be priests and considered as performers of magical acts.

Ragana valde zmoniu ligas, nuo jos priklause- bus zmogus sveikas ar sigs, gyvens ligonis ar ne

Witch controls human diseases, since They belong to the person healthy or ill, if the sick person will live or not.

Raganos zinioje buvo vaistazoles, galincios tiek padeti, tiek pakenti.

Witches had the knowledge of herbs with the power to provide help or harm

Rye goddess

Rugiu deive rupindavosi pasetais rugais, ju derliumi.
Rye goddess who cares for sown Rye and their harvest

Buvo sakoma, kai rugiu laukas nuo vejo banguoja- deive vaiskto po ruguis.
It was said, that the rye fields came on the waves of the winds, the goddess walks among the rye

Atejus rugiapjutes metui deive begdavo nuo dalgiu, kol likdavo paskutinis rugiu risulys, kuriame ji ir pasilikdavo.
When the rye harvest season begins, the goddess comes up at this time and runs from the scythe, and remained until the last rye bale was cut. This is where she used to stay.

zmones ta rysuli nupjaudavo ir laikydavo savo namuose, pacioje garbingiausioje vietoje. people cut bundles of Rye and kept them in the most prestigious place in their home.

Per seja risulys buvo padedamas vidury lauko- taip deive vel paleidziama i laisve.

During the tillage this bundle was buried in the middle of the field and would assist the goddess to once again be set free.

Milda Love Goddess

Milda buvo baltu meiles, laisves, pirslybu, bekompromises meiles ir glamoniu deive 

Milda Baltic love, freedom, matchmaking, uncompromising love and caresses of the goddess

milda nera santuokos deive, ji globoja meile, tokia, kokia ji yra, visai nesvarbu, vede zmones ar ne

Milda was not the goddess of marriage, she takes care of love, such as it is, it does not matter whether married people or not

deive buvo atsakinga uz graziausius zmoniu jausmus ir gimines testinuma

goddess was responsible for the most beautiful and the people's sense of the continuity of family

mildos geguzine, geriausia diena susipazinimui ir susidraugavimui, ja svenciancius, visus metus lydi ir globoja meiles deive milda

The Svente of Milda, best day for meeting and befriending someone, Accompanied by other Gods, she is celebrated all the year by the patronage of goddess of love Milda

Laumes-Fairies/little Goddesses

Laume viena seniausiu lietuviu dangaus ir zemes deiviu

Laume is one of the oldest Lithuanian sky and the Earth Goddesses

Laume dazniausiais apsigyvendavo, miskuose, urvuose, esanciuose prie kalnu, netoli upiu, ezeru arba pelkiu

Laumes usually lived, in forests, caves, near mountain and hills, near the rivers, lakes and wetlands

daugiausia demesio skirdavo zmoniu morales saugojimui, rupinosi zmoniu lygybe, bausdavo, gobsuolius uz saiko neturejima, smerkdavo, tinginius

These little Goddesses focused on human morals contained within. They care about human equality, punish the greedy and the lazy for their indiscretions.

laumes atnesdavo is sventu vandenu zmonems vaiku globodavo uzmirstus kudikius

fairies create holy water for people to take care of  their children and will also care for neglected or abandoned infants.

Laima

Gimino ir gyvenimo deive

Goddess of the living and all relatives

Laima atskrisdavo gegutes pavidalu ir lemdavo ne tik gimima, bet ir tolesni gyvenimo likima

Laima arrived in the form of a cuckoo and plays a role not only the birth, but the way of life and destiny of a person.

svarbiausia deives Laimos veiklos sritis buvo lemti gimstanciam kudikiui likima ir sekti, kad lemimas pildytusi

the most important goddesses Laima activity in birth was to announce baby's fate and follow throughout life so that destiny reaches it's fullness.

Jei Laima pasirupins, priziures, tai vaikas gims sveikas ir jo lauks ilgas ir laimingas gyvenimas
Ragana-moteriska pasaku ir sakmiu butybe, turinti stebuklingu galiu
If Laima maintains and takes care of this child, they will be born healthy and live a long and happy life. 

Gabija

ugnies ir seimos zidinio deive

the fire and the family hearth goddess

Gabija buvo vaizduojama moterimi, apsirengusia raudonais drabuziais arba moterimi su sparnais.

Gabija depicts a woman dressed in red clothing or a woman with wings .

Degancios ugnies liepsnos ir kibirkstys simbolizavo deives Gabijos soki.

Flames and sparks of the flame symbolised the dance of the goddess Gabija.

Namu seimininkes kiekviena diena ruosdavo patala ugniai-stropiai sutvarkydavo zarijas, o jei to nepadarydavo tai ugnis pykdavo ir kartais net iseidavo is savo seimininkes namu- uzdegdavo namus

Everyday the Housewife would prepare the fire -carefully arranged the coals, and if we do not do this the fire would get angry and sometimes even get out of his owner's house - or burn down the home.

Breksta

ankstyvo ryto ir sutemu deive

Early morning and dusk goddess

deive Breksta valde sapnus, kuriais pasinaudodama zmones ispedavo apie busimus ivykius.

Goddess Breksta ruled the dreams, through which people were warned about future events .

Ji saugodavo nakti ir tik pasirodzius pirmiesiems ankstyvo ryto spinduliams i miskus, taip globa perduodama deivei Saulei.

She guarded the night and at the first hint of early morning rays reached into the woods, Breksta transferred custody to Saule, the sun goddess.

Lithuanian Folklore: the Origins [ENGLISH SUBTITLES] Vakar ir visados (1...

Published on Youtube on Apr 28, 2014.

[YOU CAN TURN THE SUBTITLES ON/OFF BY CLICKING THE CAPTIONS ICON AT THE BOTTOM OF THE VIDEO]

This movie about the roots of Lithuanian folk customs was filmed in Lithuanian Film Studio in 1982 but it was banned from cinemas until 1984 because people in charge of Central USSR television regarded it as "too ethnic". The director of this film Gytis Lukšas recounts: "At the time when Lithuania's national broadcaster was not allowed to show even distaffs with traditional ornaments (because the Central Committee of the Communist Party regarded all ethnic items as idolization of the feudal-bourgeois past) a feature-length movie about the 9th century roots of our culture suddenly comes out! It featured the poetry of Marcelijus Martinaitis, ancient polyphonic folk songs & instruments, it was an open challenge! Moscow had requested to make this film but when they saw the end result, they got angry and banned it from the public for several years. However, unofficially people were still watching it in Lithuanian village culture centres, each such screening would turn into folk get-togethers even before the Sajūdis* had started. At that time people in Lithuania were already talking about the independence and us being a European nation with deep cultural roots."

*Sąjūdis*, initially known as the Reform Movement of Lithuania, is the political organization which led the struggle for Lithuanian independence from Russia which was established as an official organisation on June 3, 1988 and was led by Vytautas Landsbergis. Its goal was to seek the return of independent status for Lithuania.

This film reconstructed Lithuanian customs, traditional works and rituals in different seasons. The film features sounds of Sutartine chants from Aukštaitija*, cultural ethnic rituals and Samogitian* war songs, old folk instruments such as horns, blown in a row and skudučiai* circles, reveal the formation of the past national consciousness and worldview.

*Aukštaitija*, one of 5 ethno graphic regions of Lithuania and located in the eastern highland area of Lithuania.

*Samogitian*, from one of the 5 ethnographic areas of Lithuania and located in the North western lowland area of Lithuania. Today Samogitia is known as Žemaitija.
*Curonian*, from one of the 5 ethnographic areas of Lithuania and located in the western coastal area of Lithuania. Curonia was part of Prussian Lithuanian territory.

*skudučiai*,multi-pipe whistles still commonly played in many areas of northeastern Europe. 

I will attempt to describe some of the events and scenes portrayed in the film, for those unfamiliar to the old Lithuanian ethnic cultural pagan customs.

6.44-Boy playing skudučiai

7min30- 4 types of Lithuanian Beehives can be seen. (Can you spot them?). Throughout history, Lithuanians were known as skilled Beekeepers.

8min30- Sounds of the horns can be heard.

10min30-Young girl being taught to weave a sash by her mother or grandmother.

15min11-Dance Sutartine chant performed by a group of girls.

15min42-Traditional Lithuanian ornate distaffs from spinning wheels, decorated with symbols of the Sun and World Tree of the Baltic peoples.

16min39-shows the Lithuanian view of the magic of rocks and healing, purifying and cleansing ability of the water which is made alive and sacred, by gathering in a hole in the rock. 

19min50-Lithuanian bread making shows the symbol of the Sun Goddess imprinted on it before baking.

Interval at 21.45 & 23.46-distinctive ancient Curonian grave markers.

21min50-Ritualistic sharing of the sacred bread among family members.

22min49-I have no idea why girls had their cut this way! It does look ritualistic though. All I can deduce is that it has something to do with the ritual of becoming a wife. The flower wreath is taken off and the traditional head dress of a married women is ritualistically done.(24min41)
Interval at 26.20-ritualistic jewelry is reproduced from the findings of archaeologists and used as everyday dress ornaments.
28min18-ritual of burying bread, salt. The last bushel of rye, not cut in the previous years harvest, is woven into a plait leaving it's roots still in the ground. It is believed that the Rye Goddess dwells in this bushel. This ritual is done in order to increase the fertility of the field.
29min07-Songs, chants and dances were a common sight in the fields.
30min01-Lithuanians even today make these straw decorations that represent the world Tree and some represent a garden with birds which are made for Winter Solstice. At 30min34 you can see one such ornament. You can even see the birds hanging off the corners.

35min30-Flax growing,harvesting and processing was always very important to Lithuanian people. The flax was spun and woven to create all kinds of linen items. Garments, tablecloths and bedding were made, to name but a few. This was arduous work and often neighbors and extended families would come together to help each other, often working late into the night with many songs to pass the time more easily. 
40min46-Show some of the Uzgavenes customs. (Uzgavenes is also known as Mardi Gras, Pancake Tuesday,Shrove). This was a purely pagan custom which involved people dressing up as various mythical beings such as Witches, Gods, Goddesses, Devils, etc. At 41min09, you can see some dressed as Giltine, Goddess of Death. The grim reaper who spits poison with her pointed tongue and escorts the dying part way to Paradise. During Uzgavenes, there is much dancing, singing, games and laughter. For more information on the rites of Uzgavenes, feel free to read my related blog posts.
42min42- Still during the time of Uzgavenes, some neighboring boys bring More,( old man/the hag of Winter), to the farmstead and this effigy is murdered, killed and burned with much jubilation to usher out the Winter season and welcome the Spring.
47min48-Wedding preparation ritual for the bride who is adorned with traditional jewelry and a wreath of Rue. Naturally the girl is grieved to leave her parents, family and home to be married. Although it is a happy occasion it is outweighed by her sadness.You can feel her pain in the whole rite.
51min53-A traditional lamentation called Raudos can be heard. These are traditionally sung often at the time of leaving the home and at funerals. The sadness and sobbing really expresses the sentiment of the song.
56min51-A scene from a *Curonian* rite of Velines,(known as Samhain to many). Candles are lit on graves to light the way home for the Veles, (Souls) and show them that their memory, like the flame, continues to burn bright in our hearts and minds. This rite was commonly practised across all the Baltic lands.

I hope you found this clip informative and inspiring. Paganism has a rich tapestry of rites and customs which modern humankind has neglected and forgotten. I believe that understanding our ancient roots and reviving the simplistic customs of our ancestors can help us to once again re align or harmonise with our Earth mother and our Sky father.