Episode 23 - Interview with Jon Cyr

In this episode we interview Jon Cyr. He discusses Old Norse poetic forms, singing and the artistic craft in general. John shares a song and a poem or two. He talks about his inspirations, sacrifice and how being a parent has affected his view on teaching the lore.

Next Month: We are starting a new thread of interviews and talking about magic. Starting with the runes with Mike Smith.

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5 Responses to “Episode 23 - Interview with Jon Cyr”

  1. Wow. I wish this interview could have been twice as long, guys! Very informative and extremely entertaining. Please, make this a Part One of two (or more!)

    Rick said this on July 4th, 2008 at 8:13 pm

  2. Hail Jon, Dave and Sandy;

    I will always remember and highly regard the hour or so I got to swap poem and song with Jon at the Midsummer at Ron Branga’s in 2007. I was so pleased when on of my songs met up with one of the Elder Skaldic styles under his discerning ear and eye. He is TRULY a treasure for Faith and Folk.

    So many of the ideas and ideals Jon spoke of during the interview mesh so closely with my own; though I am “poetically challanged” as far as formal styles are concerned.

    Should time and resources allow, it is one of my hopes to spend more time talking and swapping with Jon.

    I’ve found, I think, a stave or more of my own (from Ye Piparskeggrsmal), which speaks to idea we seem to have in common, so far as Blot is concerned.

    055: Ritual done, without Trú Heart Is hollow play, upon a stage To mouth some words, and move about Is but an act, a mummer’s jest

    056: With no set rites, a Faithful Heart Can be full of, truest worship A Sense of Troth, is golden core For Bond with Gods, in worthy life

    057: When Trothful Heart and ritual Combine in one, ‘tis something grand True Sacral Time, is made by them Honoring all, who come to Blót

    058: In Blóting rite, and effort Trú We honor Gods, with Right Good Will Raise our voices, in bright, fair praise And share some Drink, which hands have made

    059: My life is one, extended Blót; Sometimes well done, and sometimes not. But Troth is there, and honor, too, And Faithful Words flow from my heart

    060: I can’t not do, but write my words And frame my verse, and hum my tunes, For something pulls, and pushes me, Within my heart, within my soul

    061: And Worship they, my words, become For Holy Ones and Living Worth, A Blót rite small, upon a page, A Blót writ large, within my heart

    099: We earn our rings, by Word and Deed In Blóting Rite and household chore They are a Gift, this humanness But not enough, if without Heart

    150: To slay a beast, in sacral way As Gift to Gods, and meat for men Is awesome task, and peril filled For ill done deed, will bring ill luck

    151: Is Sacrifice, demand of Gods Deemed from on high, and must be done To ensure Man, retains Good Wyrd A bloody feat, to wet the Tree

    152: Is sacrifice, a Gift of Man Given to Gods, because of thanks For Life and Luck, for right good Weal I think this is, the Trú reason

    I, for one, would like to see Jon Cyr - Part Two. (BTW, tanks again for talking to me.)

    Steven "Piparskeggr" Robinson said this on July 6th, 2008 at 1:27 am

  3. Great episode! The children’s song was wonderful. I always love hearing from folks in the Asatru community who take song writing so spiritually. It was also very interesting listening to him talk on the Old Norse poetic forms.

    I’m looking forward to the interview with Mike Smith next time. Thanks for all your work!

    Ryan said this on July 6th, 2008 at 9:41 am

  4. I very much have enjoyed your other podcasts. This one I think has been one of the best that I have had the opportunity to hear. I was wondering is there a way to hear or a place to find more works by Jon Cyr? I did not find anything through web searches.

    Thank you and keep up the good work.

    Red Thorian said this on July 11th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

  5. Red Thorian -

    Below are the two links I have available at this point. Jon will soon have a new album out and you can bet we’ll make the announcement when everything is up and running :-)

    Tru Spirit (the band he has with Kinsman Ingmar Lauer) http://www.myspace.com/truspiritatmyspace

    THe Poetry Page on Jon’s Family Farm Website (Ravenstead Farm) http://www.ravensteadfarm.com/poetrypage.html

    Ravencast said this on July 13th, 2008 at 7:31 pm

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