Three By Three ©
by Binz

(The Oak Folk were asked to learn the Song of Amergin by heart and to journal the realizations they discovered in so doing. Here is the journal entry submitted by Binz.)

Here is my understanding/interpretation so far, three by three as that's how I have learnt it. No doubt my understanding will change by the end of the month, and even more so when I have another year behind me, but I am enjoying my first steps.

I am Wind on Sea,
I am Ocean-wave,
I am Roar of Sea,

I am the air, rushing towards the shore, carrying the spray with me. I am energy
I am rolling, tumbling, crashing. I am joy
I race towards those who hear, I carry the essence of my source. I am a transfer of meaning

I am Bull of Seven Fights,
I am Hawk on Cliff,
I am Dewdrop,

I am strong, and I have shown it. I am the confidence of experience
I soar above and see all. I am perspective.
I shine and refresh and sustain. I am the simple essence of life.

I am Fairest of Flowers,
I am Boar of Boldness,
I am Salmon in Pool,

I am Wood Anemone, my beauty lies in my simplicity. I am quiet pleasure
I am unproven courage. I am the success of optimism
I relax and explore, I have arrived and will not return. I am contentment

I am Lake on Plain,
I am a Mountain in a Man,
I am a Word of Skill,

I lie low, still, calm. I am meditation
I am a greatness within, more than my physical self. I am the realisation of an idea
I travel across sound and reach all. I am the idea, transferred to all who hear

I am the Point of a Weapon,
A weapon fierce in battle,
I am One who fills the Head with Fire.

I have potential to injure and the potential to defend. I am what you use me to be
I inscribe a wound, but I do not kill. I am a lasting scar
I can raise anger and can banish reason. I am a cause of fear within others

Who makes smooth the rugged mountain?
Who knows the ages of the Moon?
Who knows the place of the Sunset?

I know what has been before and what will be after. I am the power of time.
I change but am constant. I am the passing of endless time
I travel eternally. I am a place that cannot be reached

Who calls the Cattle from House of Tethys?*
On whom does Tethys smile?
Who is the Troop?

I communicate with the inhabitants of the underworld. I am awareness
I am blessed by the underworld. I am a friend to the underworld beings
I work to benefit all here and beyond. I am committed to the great work

Who is the One who places infection on Blades?**
Enchantments on the Spear?
Enchantments of Wind.

I use the unseen power of the life around me. I am a herbalist, a scientist
I empower the physical with the spiritual. I am a magician
I travel with spirit. I am a shaman

* Taken to be: who can communicate with the underworld, who is a friend of the underworld and who works for its benefit
** Inspiration/understanding is the treating of weapon tips with plant and animal poisons, as still practiced in Amazonia and elsewhere.

Binz is an environmental consultant and lives in Hampshire with his wife and three children. His work, Oakfriend & Dedication is featured in this issue.

Three by Three copyright © 2004 by Binz, all rights reserved. Used with permission. Top of Page