In the lore of Arda, the Ainur are the mighty offspring of Eru Ilúvatar’s thought, shaped in the Timeless Halls before the world began. Among them, the greatest who entered the world are the Valar, the Powers who govern and guard the realms of Arda — from Manwë, lord of the winds, to Varda, kindler of the stars. Beside them dwell the Maiar, lesser yet potent spirits who serve and aid their greater kin, moving unseen or walking in fair form among Elves and Men. In the oldest tales, the word fairies was once used for some of these lesser Ainur and the most radiant of the Eldar, beings of…

The month of July focuses on the concept of gardens not just as a physical space which produces flowers, food, medicine and other things, but also as a spiritual astral place where you can find rest, rejuvenation and planting seeds to grow the reality we wish to live in. As a purely physical place the garden offers a connection to nature that allows us to be able to make outside engagement and to grow an appreciation for the flora and fauna around it. There are physical benefits health wise improves strength, flexibility, and overall physical health. Also, as studies have shown being in a green space can lower blood pressure,…

The month of June has arrived and the energies have shifted from that of Spring to the time of Summer and we kick off that change with a month focused on the aspect of fire. Within Tolkien based spirituality and especially for those of us in Way of Arda’s Lore fire holds a deep significance. It is held as the second most important concept next to Music. The reason fire is so vital has to do with the Flame Imperishable also called the Secret Fire. Ilúvatar used this fire which has the power of creation, to bring everything to life. He placed within the Elves, Humans, Dwarves and all other…

In the ever-hectic pace of our daily lives there is something that is often overlooked even though there are many antidotes regarding this often simple and unassuming item. To what is this author referring? Why the often thought of simple and common flower though it is an often misunderstood and powerful plant. The power of the humble flower was once very well known in our modern society. I am talking about not so long ago during the Victorian age when the language of flowers known as Floriography reached its peak. While its origins can be traced back to the Greeks and Romans, it definitely culminated during the Victorian era and…

The flowers of spring are now in full bloom as the days grow longer and the weather warmer. The winter season has passed as spring continues assert its influence and time upon the world of Arda. Spring is a time of great change and as the vitality of the world grows again, the world is ready for prosperity and change.   The month of April focuses on Youth which is viewed differently among the races of Arda. For example, the Hobbits can be described as being carefree and innocent focused on the simple pleasures of the shire. The Hobbits are not considered adults until 33 years old. As a result…

The month of March brings the first day of Spring. The clocks spring forward for places that have daylight savings time (not something that exist for us in Hawaii) and flowers start to bloom and there is a vitality in the air. The elemental focus for this month based on the Elven lore of Arda is Air. As with last month another of the three Elven rings forged by Celebrimbor in the second age is associated with Air. The ring is called Vilya also known as the Ring of Sapphire, the Blue Ring or the Ring of Air. The powers of this ring while never directly stated are speculated to…

“It is said by the Eldar that in water there lives yet the echo of the Music of the Ainur more than in any substance that is in this Earth; and many of the Children of Ilúvatar hearken still unsated to the voices of the Sea, and yet know not for what they listen.” R. R. Tolkien   The elemental focus for this month based on the Elven lore of Arda is Water.  As the above quote shows for the Elves of Arda water is a powerful force holding extensive wisdom and knowledge from the past. The Teleri or coastal Elves are most deeply connected to the ocean primarily and…

The Gregorian calendar has once again turned over and the start of a new year has begun. Change is a constant aspect of the seasons and time moves steadily forward. Here on the Big Island of Hawaii however things progress along pretty normal timelines. The seasons do not really exist and so tracking things like winter, spring, summer and fall are completely different. That being said even January has an impact as people look towards the newly unfolding year. Many people drawing on the fire ignited by the energy of the new year have started resolutions and sadly some have already ceased them and an estimated 43% will drop them…