Sgrios Mass: Sgrios in the Dreaming World

Few Aislings experience only one life. When Deoch touched us with our spark, he granted us a sight beyond that which we use to observe the world around us. The very term Aisling marks us as dreamers. Many of us have an uncanny connection to our family; we’re able to see what they see, know what they know. Siblings, cousins, parents and children - to many there is often little to separate our perception. Further, still, as ‘dreamers’, we are possessed with the ability to experience a second existence outside of ourselves.

When we dream, our spirit travels to other realms where we are witness to a life entirely distinct, yet fully tethered to our existence. Despite how foreign these realms may seem, we are bound together by a silver thread that can not easily be severed. I’ve heard numerous accounts of the fantastical lives people lead in their dreams and from all accounts, these lives seem to be as real as anything we experience in our waking lives, here, in Temuair. I often wonder if, perhaps, it isn’t that our sparks dim as we age, just that they grow to such intensity that we lose ourselves to these parallel lives.

I, myself, am guilty of falling for the call of the ethereal world and have allowed myself to slip into a prolonged period of dreaming. But whether I am lucid here in the lands or letting my soul traverse the expanse to see through the eyes of another, I ask myself: am I serving Sgrios’ will? Does He walk among us when we dream?

Indeed, death stalks us whether we are here or asleep - and when I walk the other realities, I frequently find that I am surrounded by the same familiar trappings: plants that grow, thrive, wither and die; the taught and glowing skin of youth that sags with age; illnesses that claim those I feel deep affection for. Decay is a constant, no matter our reality. So, if we are able to experience another reality, it is no small feat to imagine the Gods can do the same - that Fiosachd might, in some other realm, be offering a fateful wager or that Luathas might be informing the minds of young and eager scholars. Surely, Sgrios brings His gifts to those dreamscapes as well.

For every Aisling who wakes fearful in Temuair from dreams of their own demise or physical failing, or struggle endlessly with fears that seem to be rooted in an imperceptible life, there are others who find themselves waking to revel in the fragile mortality that another night has yielded. But I ask you: when we escape from our earthly bonds into that realm beyond - whatever or wherever it is - do we see Sgrios, and do we honor Him?

When I sleep, I see myself in another life; one much more mundane. I walk, as I do here, barefoot in the woods. I smell the flowers, I rest with gentle repose most would associate with a Cailite - but regardless of whether I’m here, tending to the altar or living some unfathomable dream life, I always feel His presence, and I still give my praise to a God unknown by the name He carries here. I see His blessings in the mushrooms that are plentiful in the other realms, I feel close to him as I pass the exotic graveyards, and I see feel his presence when I am close to death. I feel His presence when I walk among the ruins and see how time brings decay to even the greatest of marvels, in this world and without. Plainly put: regardless of the realm, I am close to Him and I find many ways to give my praise.

I suspect it is the same for many who worship here - that we are not drawn to Him simply in our waking life, but in the myriad existences we experience. If, however, you are only faithful to His teachings when you are wandering the lands, let me urge you to widen the scope of your worship to include the many hours each day we spend dreaming. In some small way, even if it just occupies a moment of your life, allow yourself to send a prayer to Sgrios from the ether; let your praise find Him regardless of which eyes you see the world through. 

I would love to hear from those of you in the congregation - how does Sgrios present himself to you during your dream life, and how do you bring glory to Him there? I can attest that I am only able to be the priestess I am because of the bond I have fostered between these two realms. The words of my waking life echo in the mind of the dreamer, and her thoughts and visions inform my sermons, here. Effectively, I have a deep connection with Sgrios that transcends worlds. I am curious if and how this manifests for others in our faith.

((Thank you to Priestess Nadja, Priestesses Dharma and Woodlyn, Priestess Tempes and Brother Kedian for sharing during mass!))