The Circle

Greetings, dear listener. Since you are here, it means you have already found yourself within the Circle. And that is good. It means you have at least taken stock of where you have arrived. Let me first clarify something. A "Circle" is a journey-lasting one year, into the Slavic worldview. And worldview is a little more than just a calendar, if that is what you are thinking. This "little more" encompasses an understanding of the essence of the seasons (and indeed there are three of them-Autumn, Winter, and Spring-and together they form one Year); the sequential cycle of years according to Chislobog; and an understanding of whether we truly move in circles. It includes the connection between you, the listener, and the primary elements within this cycle (I hope you have already become acquainted with them during our previous journey in The Fifth Element album). It involves the seasonal changes in nature that you observe and recognize, and your possible-or impossible, personal place within these changes. And most importantly, it touches upon that still small but already perceptible sense within you-whether it is appropriate to act or not, at a given time of the Year. We will traverse this journey not abstractly, but through recognizable, often joyful, and sometimes frightening folk holidays. Perhaps they will come together to form a complete picture of maintaining balance - both for you, my friend, and for the strength of this world, simply for the sake of survival. But even more importantly, we will delve into genuinely magical knowledge of power -how to retain and accumulate it, not for boasting or for striking others, but to fulfill the purpose of one's incarnation in this world. Yes, yes. Do not be surprised, my friend. Too often we never remember our purpose, and what could be worse-we do not even seek it. We shall begin our journey at the Autumn Equinox, when a riot of colors fills Midgard-Earth (as the ancient Slavs called our land). It is then that a new Year within the cycle of years begins. And we will follow our Sun through all its major transformations-the equinoxes and solstices-noting the significant changes in nature and, briefly (for the time allotted to us will not allow deeper exploration), touching upon the holidays and rituals associated with these changes. I will be honest with you: I will likely not answer a single one of your direct questions. This is not out of stubbornness, though I have plenty of that; after all, I am Matuk. Are we going in circles? Then I shall lead you in circles, allowing you either to yield or to grow curious and begin your own search for answers to the questions that’ll arise. No, no, do not be angry. It is only you who will decide how deep we shall venture on this journey. So then, what do you say? Are you ready, packed, gathered your courage, and prepared to go? Well then, it is time for us to depart... Matuk Kletska (c) Summer 7534 from S.M.Z.H