For the last couple of months, In between writing bits and pieces of stories, when I've been playing around on Facebook, I've been getting/doing a lot of "off the grid" and "survivalist" items. Some of these have been links to quizzes and such.
So far the longest I'll survive on my own is about ten days, because I have very few hunter/gathering skills.
I admit it.
I don't.
And I should.
I have the knowledge stored somewhere in my being. All my life I have looked at weeds and herbs and known that they can be used for healing and helping, but I can rarely put a name to the plants or have any conscious knowledge of how to use them.
But I know I know this stuff. Why can't I bring it forth?
In fact, on rare occasion, I have needed, seen something, and used it appropriately in "emergency" situations. Once for fever, once for bleeding. Those were interesting experiences, and I don't remember what I used, for sure. I think it was plantain leaves for the bleeding and some kind of flower (rose? lavender?) for a wash for the fever. Thought about a tea, but the thinking brain said no. Too risky without knowledge to have someone ingest it.
BUT -- the (non)survivalist in me has a better chance as a member of a tribe, clan, or other grouping.
The quizzes and skill tests through the computer rank me very high.
As a wise-woman, as a story teller, and as a keeper of the flame, able to both hold the old traditions and reach out and embrace the new ideas and ways.
I am mage, madrigal, and Mother.
I am of great value to my tribe as a GrandMother.
The funny thing is, this suits me very well.
I'll keep the kids entertained while others do the hunting/ gathering.
I'll keep the perpetual pot of perpetual stew over the embers.
I'll make the coffee!
What really strikes me about these designations, under these situations and circumstances is the acknowledgement that this is a role with importance. In a survival situation, which I will only survive -- for only ten days or so -- because I can build a shelter with a fire near running water, my value is as a bringer of words.
Somehow, one would think the others would leave me there to dwindle and starve. But according to these different groups, I still have value. Practical value, as I can cook. Maybe not well, but survival level at least.
But the other values?
There is something somehow reassuring that the ones who create these tests and trials think to put any value on the Mystic and Traditional, and to find worth in song and story.
Or am I reading it all wrong, and this is a polite way of saying "You are worthless. Just stay out of Our Way!"?
