Goals

 As I retreat into winter contemplation, I am oft thinking of where I want my spiritual path to lead me.

I certainly keep striving to better know Her, and better develop my rites and prayers. I am often praying enough, but wanting to delve deeper into the Mysteries of the faith.

Unfortunately, we haven't hardly any details to go on, with the original Madrians having gone underground, and if there were other writings they had, or teachings, these are lost to us.

Since that is the case, I have been taking the small information we do have and striving to develop it. I am hoping to actually do the paths I create myself in this upcoming year, starting shortly after Ordination. I do not see these as a one and done Mystery path, but rather something to be done yearly. I plan to journal about my experiences, and share what I find helpful.

Our community is still small, but this is alright. I keep up with writing my thoughts and experiences to share with others who are curious, and even may find things helpful. I do think that even if it only helps one person, this is worthwhile.

I also do not wish to 'reinvent the wheel', as it were, in regards to Madrianism. I still work within this term and framework, and to develop it as befitting this era. I do have my own personal terms and names that I have not revealed, as I do not wish to cause confusion with other known names in the broader community of Filianists and Deanists; I also do not plan on publicizing the full details of the Mystery paths I develop. I would be open to sharing with initiates, if that were to happen one day. Perhaps it is more of an 'old school' way, but there's (to me) merit in keeping a mystery tradition a mystery. I suppose if I had a group of fellows to work with in person, that'd be different. It would not be unlike the traditional covens within the Wiccan community; and if I have fellows online who are adherents and are interested, I'd certainly encourage reaching out to me to discuss what I am developing here.

I started this Cerva Madriana with the small hope that one day I could work with other adherents, especially in person. Maybe I will years down the line, when I'm older (and greyer). Maybe sooner than I would think. Only She knows.

Regardless, I will be continuing on in this little space that I have, and working towards bettering myself and the community around me. I feel that's ultimately the goal of any spiritual path.