The Abbey of Misrule

The Abbey of Misrule, authored from an Orthodox Christian perspective, explores themes of spiritual crisis, societal decline, and the questioning of Western values and progress. It advocates for a return to traditional spiritual roots, critiques modernity and technological dominance, and discusses the loss of faith in institutions amidst recent global events.

Spirituality Societal Critique Modern Challenges Tradition vs Progress Identity and Culture Authority and Institutions Nature vs Technology

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

Into the Desert, Into the Woods

936 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Spirituality Christianity Journey
  1. The author has been writing for two years about the darkness of the times and is now shifting towards a more spiritual understanding.
  2. The author will be writing explicitly from an Orthodox Christian perspective in the future, focusing on the spiritual dimensions of the times.
  3. The author is taking a break for the summer to recover and will return in September with a new phase for the Abbey of Misrule.

A Short Note About A Mistake

707 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Ideology Politics Nature Environment Society
  1. Be cautious of how your words can be hijacked by others for their own agendas.
  2. Make sure to research and clarify the background and intentions of any publication or platform that approaches you for content.
  3. Stand firm in your values and beliefs, and don't allow your writing to be used to support ideologies that you oppose.

The West Must Die

534 implied HN points • 31 May 23
🎭️ Culture Essays Culture Wars Identity Progressivism
  1. The essay discusses the limitations and challenges of writing and how it can shape our understanding.
  2. It delves into the concept of 'the West' and the cultural conflicts surrounding it.
  3. Finally, it raises the idea of letting go of the current concept of 'the West' to make way for something new and better.

The Raindance

512 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Counterculture Identity History Tradition
  1. The concept of time travel explored in a novel influences the type of people interested in it, showcasing different motivations and expectations.
  2. Reflections on identity and roots highlight the importance of knowing one's origin and history in a rapidly changing world.
  3. Contrasting cultural practices of asking 'what do you do?' versus 'where are you from?' showcase the shift from personal connections to professional identities.

What is a Mother?

483 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Cultural Progressive Neoliberalism Feminism
  1. Ireland's constitution of 1937 marked a significant shift towards independence, neutrality, and revival of Irish culture and language.
  2. The evolution of Ireland from a traditional Catholic society to a more progressive, globalized state has led to significant changes in laws and societal values.
  3. Proposed changes to the Irish constitution highlight a shift towards progressive ideals, with a focus on removing traditional gender roles and promoting individual rights over familial structures.
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Out of Egypt

420 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Saints Mystery History Christianity Origins
  1. St. Catherine of Alexandria, an Egyptian saint, has connections to an industrial town in Ireland.
  2. The presence of Egyptian Coptic monks suggests early Christian influence in Ireland.
  3. Intriguing theories propose that Irish Christianity may have originated from the Egyptian desert.

The Tale of the Machine

416 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Modernity Religion Technology Culture Spirituality
  1. The essay series discusses the modern project of replacing nature with technology and the emergence of the Machine as a powerful force shaping society.
  2. It explores the impacts of Machine values on culture, including the loss of human connections, cultural upheaval, and the rise of individualism.
  3. The series delves into potential responses to the dominance of the Machine, including stoicism, reactionary radicalism, and the search for eternal values amidst societal decline.

A Message For My Readers

393 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The author shared a message with his readers on reaching 50,000 subscribers.
  2. He expressed gratitude towards his readers and offered a discount on paid subscriptions as a gesture of thanks.
  3. The author highlighted the privilege of writing for a living and the value he places on each subscriber.

Silent Mystery

336 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Mystery History Exploration Culture Religion
  1. The writer explores a mysterious holy well in County Galway, Ireland, with unique features and folklore.
  2. Despite thorough research, little information is available about the well's history, saint, or significance.
  3. Local residents are tight-lipped about the well, adding to its air of secrecy and intrigue.

What Lies Beneath

328 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual art Painting Crafts Photography
  1. Ladywell in Abbey, County Galway is a well-maintained, historic site with links to a monastery and folklore.
  2. The ritual of visiting wells in Ireland includes circling the well, saying prayers, leaving an offering, and drinking the waters.
  3. The Ladywell in Abbey was believed to have healing powers for issues like warts, highlighting the historical significance of these wells.

Twenty Twenty Four

321 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Wisdom Pilgrimage
  1. The author writes about his exploration of Orthodox Christianity and its relevance in the modern world.
  2. Regular series include 'Lives of the Wild Saints' and 'Fifty Holy Wells.'
  3. There are plans for future projects like a book and teaching at a writing course.

Patrick and the Pagans

321 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Saints Christianity Traditions
  1. St. Patrick's Day in Ireland is a day of celebrations and parades but visiting wells dedicated to St. Patrick can be a more meaningful experience.
  2. Wells dedicated to St. Patrick, like Cluain Patrick in County Roscommon, offer a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere, with connections to Christian and pagan history.
  3. The presence of ancient trees like yews at Christian sites suggests a blend of Christianity with pre-existing pagan beliefs, creating a unique spiritual landscape.

Sympathetic Magic

319 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Beliefs Traditions Practices Saints
  1. At wells in Ireland, like St Ita's well, a practice of 'sympathetic magic' takes place where objects of the sick are brought for healing, showing a blending of ancient magical traditions with Christianity.
  2. This 'sympathetic magic' practice involves tying items like socks, handkerchiefs, and shirts to crosses or trees near the well in hopes of a saint's healing power.
  3. The story of St Ita and the lessons she imparted - faith, simplicity, and love - are tied to the traditions surrounding the well, emphasizing spiritual values.

A Féchín Rumour

300 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💾 History Religious history Folklore
  1. The pilgrimage site of St. Féchín contains a mass grave from the Great Famine in Ireland.
  2. St. Féchín's well, known for healing, is now dry and neglected in a field of cows.
  3. Historical rumors suggest St. Féchín may have played a role in a deadly plague upon society as a response to a request.

Intermission: Digging Down

296 implied HN points • 25 May 23
📖 Philosophy Existence Ethics Knowledge
  1. The author has been away speaking in Romania and London.
  2. The talk focused on the question 'What do we do when there's nothing left to conserve?'
  3. The talk was followed by a two-hour discussion with Mary Harrington and the audience.

A Bird in the Hand

293 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture History Faith
  1. A holy well found during a camping trip in Donegal had offerings like statues and a child's shoe.
  2. St. Conall, a local Donegal saint from the sixth century, has intriguing stories, including about repentance.
  3. Early Irish Christianity used handbells rung by Abbotts for prayer, with St. Conall's sixth-century bell surviving in the British Museum.

The Monthly Salon: May

290 implied HN points • 08 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Nature Community
  1. Summer is a time of growth and flourishing in the Irish west.
  2. The author is working on final essays while also attending speaking events.
  3. The community of readers can engage in discussions while waiting for new content.

The Half-Finished House

260 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History Culture Travel Literature Fiction
  1. The coastal walk in Ardmore, County Waterford, Ireland, offers layers of history including industrial mines, revolutionary soldiers, and slave raids, showcasing the area's rich and varied past.
  2. Father O'Donnell's wellhouse, built with the intention of healing properties, remains unfinished due to a local complaint to the priest, halting the project and leaving it frozen in time a century later.
  3. The incomplete wellhouse serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of peaceful times and the enduring presence of ruins along coastlines, highlighting the intertwined stories of ambition, social dynamics, and history.

Mary of the Gael

254 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Saints Christianity Religious history Spiritual warfare
  1. St. Brigid of Kildare was a significant figure in Irish Christianity, known for her monastic life and miracles.
  2. The lives of early Christian saints are often portrayed as stories of spiritual warfare and miracles.
  3. There is a neo-pagan version that St. Brigid may have been a Christianized version of a pre-Christian Celtic goddess.

Holy Ghost

222 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity
  1. Details may not always be important, focus on the overall picture
  2. Marian apparitions are a fascinating aspect of Folk Christianity
  3. Controversies and mysteries surround the Marian visions and their impact on Catholicism

The Sound of Wings

210 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Saints God Nature Prayer Belief
  1. The cold is described as the worst element due to its physical effects.
  2. The wind is considered the worst among the elements for its impactful force.
  3. The tree is personified and serves as a home to birds, offering protection and sustenance.

Wells and Bells

209 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration History Travel Religion Culture Literature
  1. The story introduces St Declan of Ardmore who was an influential figure in Ireland before even St Patrick's arrival, suggesting early Christian ties even to Egypt
  2. St Declan had a powerful presence in Ardmore, with his monastery becoming popular and attracting pilgrims
  3. The well associated with St Declan is a historic site where he baptised early Irish Christians, and is still a place of pilgrimage today

The Monthly Salon: June

197 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Writing Nature Reflection
  1. The author announced the penultimate chapter in a series they've been working on for over two years will be ending soon.
  2. After the chapter ends, the author plans to take a summer break and then return with new projects and ideas.
  3. The author is excited about exploring new avenues while building on their previous work.

Intermission: Coming Up, Laid Down

178 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Events Podcasts Feedback Community Engagement
  1. Paul Kingsnorth has upcoming events in Ireland and the USA focused on ancient Christianity and localism.
  2. He has been active in various podcasts this year, discussing a range of topics from Christianity to transgenderism.
  3. Paul is seeking feedback from his readers on his podcast appearances and is considering starting his own podcast focused on the spiritual crisis of the modern world.

The Monthly Salon: February

177 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Personal Growth Literature Spirituality Politics
  1. The author reflects on the changing beliefs and values in society, questioning if it's them, the culture or both that have changed.
  2. Through writing, the author processes conflicting emotions and ideas, especially as the culture shifts rapidly around them.
  3. The author invites readers to think about what they have changed their minds about in recent years, whether personal, political, cultural, or spiritual.

Snakes in the Rock

166 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Saints Christianity Spiritual guidance
  1. The story talks about a monk named Cadoc and his interactions with Arthur and Keyne, focusing more on spiritual teachings rather than worldly battles.
  2. Cadoc's teachings emphasized the importance of inner battles and spiritual growth, guiding the monks towards the light.
  3. The narrative of Keyne mentioned by Cadoc was likely a lesson on spiritual warfare and inner struggles rather than physical skirmishes.

Empty Throne, Empty Tomb

71 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Christianity Mythology
  1. The post discusses the collapse of the West and how it may relate to the period of Lent, which leads up to a triumph despite the catastrophe it signifies.
  2. A new program focusing on Christian mythopoetics in England, led by Martin Shaw, is highlighted. Guest teachers include well-known figures like Rowan Williams and Malcolm Guite.
  3. The unique emergence of Christian stories in new ways during tumultuous times is mentioned, emphasizing the importance of exploring such narratives.