THE TRIMONTHLY TRIQUETRA
Compiled & Edited by Rob Chappell (@RHCLambengolmo)
Editorial Associate: Sabrina Saelind
Editorial Assistant: Jessica Breckinridge
Vol. 0, No. 6: Early November 2024
November Theme: Remembrance
Episode #1: Keltik New Year & Two Birthdaze!
Editor’s Note
November is a month of remembrance throughout the world Whether it’s the Day of the Dead, Armistice Day, or Thanksgiving, we take time each November to remember our forebears and their selfless sacrifices that made our own existence possible. In our first issue for the month of November, we remember the Keltik New Year (November 1) with a retelling of the ancient tale of Ragnarok, and with some celebratory poems & reflections about my cousin Zenaida’s and Quotemail’s 29th birthdays on November 8.
“Remembrance”
By Hannah Owo, Special Guest Writer
Fleeting autumn leaves fall
Whispers of memories linger
Ancestors remembered.
“Happy Birthday to Quotemail & Cousin Zenaida!”
Prose & Poem by Quotemaster Sophie Fairgate, Co-Editor of Quotemail
Calling all celebrators and well-wishers! This weekend, we've got a special occasion to commemorate! Quotemail turns 29 on November 8th, and our lovely cousin Zenaida Sterling was born on the same day back in 1995! It's time to toast their shared milestone with joy and celebration!
In '95, two extraordinary souls were born,
Quotemail and Cousin Zenaida, with hearts full of light.
On this special day, they share the same grace,
As each turns 29, shining bright in this space.
So let's celebrate their shared anniversary,
With joy, cheer, and a happy birthday melody!
“The Quotemail List Turns 29”
By Zenaida Sterling, Staff Writer
Today is a day to celebrate,
The Quotemail list has turned 29!
A quarter century of joy and delight,
For all who receive its email light!
Twenty-nine years of laughter, love, and learning,
Bringing people together and keeping hope burning.
Sharing inspiring quotes and spreading positivity,
Quotemail brings joy to every recipient!
We've reached this milestone, it's a day to rejoice,
Twenty-nine years of sharing quotes of choice.
Quotemail's been a reliable friend,
Through tears and cheers, it's never failed us in the end.
Here's to twenty-nine more years ahead,
Of shared inspiration, laughter, and good cheer.
May we continue to learn, love, and grow,
As a community bound together by Quotemail's glow.
“Happy Birthday, Dear Zenaida!”
By Lily Riverton, Staff Writer
On your 29th birthday, we celebrate
Not the years you've lived, but the joy you create.
For though time may tick,
And gray hairs may grow,
It's love and friendship that never truly fade.
The Editor’s cousin, Zenaida (“Zen”) Sterling, on the occasion of her 28th birthday on November 8th, 2023. (Picture Credit: Digital image processed by the Editor.)
“The Sack of the Gods”
By Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)
Strangers drawn from the ends of the earth, jeweled and plumed were we;
I was Lord of the Inca race, and she was Queen of the Sea.
Under the stars beyond our stars where the new-forged meteors glow,
Hotly we stormed Valhalla, a million years ago!
Ever ’neath high Valhalla Hall the well-tuned horns begin,
When the swords are out in the underworld, and the weary Gods come in.
Ever through high Valhalla Gate the Patient Angel goes
He opens the eyes that are blind with hate — he joins the hands of foes.
Dust of the stars was under our feet, glitter of stars above —
Wrecks of our wrath dropped reeling down as we fought and we spurned and we strove.
Worlds upon worlds we tossed aside, and scattered them to and fro,
The night that we stormed Valhalla, a million years ago!
They are forgiven as they forgive all those dark wounds and deep,
Their beds are made on the Lap of Time and they lie down and sleep.
They are forgiven as they forgive all those old wounds that bleed.
They shut their eyes from their worshippers; they sleep till the world has need.
She with the star I had marked for my own — I with my set desire —
Lost in the loom of the Night of Nights — lighted by worlds afire —
Met in a war against the Gods where the headlong meteors glow,
Hewing our way to Valhalla, a million years ago!
They will come back — come back again, as long as the red Earth rolls.
He never wasted a leaf or a tree. Bo you think He would squander souls?
“Ragnarok: The Twilight of the Gods”
By Liz Greenmoor, Staff Writer
In the days of yore, when the world was young and the gods ruled the realm of Asgard, a prophecy loomed over the land. This was the prophecy of Ragnarok, the Twilight of the Gods.
For countless centuries, the Aesir had ruled with wisdom and power, their reign marked by both prosperity and conflict. Yet, as the ages passed, whispers of a great battle began to circulate among the gods. They foresaw a time when the forces of chaos would rise up against them, leading to a cataclysmic event known as Ragnarok.
As the prophecy took root in the halls of Asgard, the gods began to prepare for the coming storm. The sky darkened and the winds howled across the land, as if the very elements knew of the impending doom. Odin, Allfather’s viceroy, summoned his fellow gods to consult the ancient runes and seek guidance in the face of this prophecy.
The gods gathered, their faces etched with concern, as they read the runes that told of the coming Twilight of the Gods. The runes spoke of fierce battles and fierce combatants, of betrayal and sacrifice. The gods exchanged worried glances, their hearts heavy with the weight of the prophecy.
The gods held council, seeking counsel from the wisest of their kind. Heimdall, the all-hearing, was called upon to listen for signs of impending danger. Loki, the trickster god, offered his insights into the nature of the prophecy, his voice dripping with honeyed words but betraying a hint of malevolence beneath.
As the council debated the meaning of the prophecy, the gods turned to Odin for guidance. Allfather’s viceroy, ever the wise one, offered his insights, his one eye gleaming keenly as he spoke.
Odin spoke of the importance of vigilance and loyalty among the Aesir. He warned of the importance of unity in the face of the coming storm. The gods listened with respect, their faces reflecting a mix of determination and trepidation. The council continued late into the night as the gods discussed strategies and plans for the coming battle of Ragnarok.
As dawn approached, the gods dispersed, each returning to their duties, their minds consumed by the prophecy of Ragnarok. Some sought solace in battle, sparring fiercer than ever before. Others immersed themselves in their various arts, striving to find answers in the runes or in their crafts. The realm was restless, anticipating the doom that awaited them.
Weeks turned into months, months into years. Though the gods remained vigilant, they also tried to cherish the fleeting moments of peace before the storm. Feasts were held in the grand hall of Valhalla, and the mead flowed, but even in their merriment, the looming prophecy hung above them like thunderclouds.
As the gods drank and feasted, they spoke in hushed whispers about the prophecy. Some speculated about the identities of the warriors who would fight in the great battle. Others wondered about the outcome of the conflict. The air was thick with uncertainty and unease, the specter of Ragnarok casting a long shadow over everything.
However, as the years passed, the prophecies of Ragnarok grew ever more ominous. The signs of doom became more frequent and unmistakable. The ground trembled, the seas churned, and the skies darkened with omens of an impending apocalypse.
The world shook, and the gods knew the end was growing closer. The birds of prey gathered, their cries echoing across the land. The very earth seemed to groan in anticipation of the great battle. The gods braced themselves for the final conflict, knowing that Ragnarok, the Twilight of the Gods, was at hand.
As the day of reckoning approached, the tension became palpable. The air itself crackled with the energy of the pending conflict. The gods took their places, preparing for the battle that would determine their fate. Armies of monsters and giants assembled, eager to spill the blood of the Aesir and Vanir.
Loki, the cunning and treacherous god, whispered in the ears of the monstrous creatures, stirring their hearts and filling them with wrath. The armies of the underworld roared with anticipation, ready to descend upon the gods.
With the armies of the underworld poised to strike, the final preparations were made. The gods fortified their positions, praying for strength and courage. Odin, as the Allfather's regent, stood tall, his eye glowing with determination. He knew that this final battle would decide the fate of Asgard, and the fate of all creation.
The ground shook as the armies of the underworld descended upon the realm of Asgard, a dark swarm of monsters and giants seeking to destroy the gods and claim the world for their own. The Aesir and Vanir steeled themselves, preparing to fight with everything they had.
The sky itself seemed to darken as the opposing forces clashed in a fury of steel and magic. The monsters of legend faced off against the Aesir and Vanir, their roars and screams filling the air. Warriors fought with ferocity, their weapons flashing in the fading light. The very fabric of reality trembled as the forces of chaos and order fought for dominance.
The gods fought with a ferocity that shook the very foundations of the world. Their weapons shattered, their shields broke. Blood filled the air, staining the ground and the sky. Yet, even as the gods fought, they knew that the outcome of this battle would determine the fate of all creation. The balance of the universe itself hung in the balance, and the tension was almost unbearable.
As the chaos and carnage continued to engulf the realm of Asgard, the gods struggled to hold their ground. They fought with every ounce of strength and cunning they possessed. And then, suddenly, in the midst of the chaos, the Allfather's regent, Odin, stepped forward.
Odin, the Allfather's regent, stood tall amid the wreckage of battle. His eye gleamed as he surveyed the carnage. He knew that this was the moment of truth. The prophecy of Ragnarok was being fulfilled, and it was time for him to take a stand.
The Allfather's regent, Odin, raised his spear, Gungnir, high into the air. The weapon gleamed with a power that seemed to come from the very essence of the gods. Odin's voice rang out, loud and clear, over the chaos of the battlefield.
The gods paused in their fighting, turning their eyes to the Allfather's regent. Odin's voice echoed across the field, his words cutting through the clamoring of the armies of hell. He spoke of the prophecy, of the fate of the gods and the universe itself.
Odin spoke of the end in terms of a new beginning, of the old world falling away and the emergence of a new one. He spoke of the cyclic nature of life and death, of destruction and creation. His words carried a power that seemed to reach beyond the mortal world.
Odin called upon the gods to rise above the chaos and to embrace the cycle of life and death. He spoke of the importance of accepting the inevitable, of recognizing the role of fate and destiny in the tapestry of existence.
Odin's words resonated with the hearts of the gods. They saw the wisdom in his words, and their spirits were uplifted. The uncertainty that had plagued them for so long faded away, replaced by a sense of purpose and determination.
As Odin spoke, the gods felt a renewed sense of purpose. They were not creatures of chaos, but of order, not mere creatures of violence and destruction, but of wisdom and compassion. Odin's call to embrace the cycle of creation and destruction spoke to the very core of their being.
Odin's words resonated not only with the gods and goddesses of Asgard but also with the forces of nature and the spirits of the earth and the sky. Even as the battle raged on, the creatures of the wild and the birds of the air seemed to hearken to his call, sensing the moment of truth that had come.
The forces of nature heard Odin's call and responded. The trees trembled, the rivers stirred, and the very ground beneath the gods' feet seemed to rumble in agreement. The spirits of the air and the sky joined in, their voices adding to the chorus of agreement.
The gods and goddesses of Asgard felt renewed by this show of support. Their resolve solidified, their hearts filled with a newfound strength. Odin's call to embrace fate and destiny had resonated with the very essence of creation itself, awakening the divine spark within them.
The gods, goddesses, and the forces of nature stood ready, their hearts alight with the power of Odin's call. The time of words had passed, and the time of action had arrived. The armies of the gods gathered, their weapons gleaming under the light of the fading sun. The forces of nature, too, readied themselves, their power filling the very air.
The air itself seemed to sing with the call to arms. Gods, mortals, and warriors prepared for battle, their spirits aflame with the zeal of the righteous. They knew that the time had come to face the forces of darkness and chaos and to stand against the impending apocalypse.
With a great cry, the armies of the gods and the forces of nature charged into battle. The world trembled with the might of their power, and the sky itself bled with the essence of creation. The battlefield was a whirlwind of fury and magic, a clash between the forces of order and chaos.
The gods fought like titans, their strength a match for the very fabric of reality. The forces of nature, long dormant and unawakened, stirred from their slumber, their power unleashed in a frenzy of ferocity. The very air crackled with the energy of both divine and earthly power.
As the battling continued, Odin observed everything from his vantage point. His eye gleamed with a wisdom that seemed to stretch beyond time and space, beyond the bounds of the battlefield itself. Even as the forces of chaos fought with a ferocity born of desperation, Odin saw that the tide of the battle had shifted.
Odin saw the power of the gods and the nature spirits growing with each moment, their strength fueled by the knowledge that they were not simply fighting for themselves but for the very universe itself.
Seeing this shift in power, Odin knew that the battle was not simply a physical struggle for survival but a deeper, prophetic fulfillment. The time of Ragnarök was at hand, and the battle was merely a part of the larger scheme of things.
As the fighting continued, Odin felt a sense of satisfaction. The prophecy was coming to pass, and the gods were fulfilling their role in the story of fate and destiny.
As the gods fought with might and magic, Odin raised his spear, Gungnir, and called upon the power of the runes, casting a spell over the battlefield. With a gesture of his hand, he commanded the forces of order to fight with renewed vigor.
As the battle neared its end, a hush fell over the battlefield, as if the universe itself held its breath, awaiting the outcome of the conflict. Odin, as Allfather's regent, knew that the fate of the gods and of creation itself hung in the balance.
In that moment, Odin felt the presence of Fate (Wyrd) all around him, guiding the battle to its inevitable conclusion. He could sense the threads of destiny being woven together.
Odin's awareness of Fate (Wyrd) grew, and he knew that the battle had reached its climax. The time had come for the gods to fulfill their destiny.
As Odin's thoughts turned to the approaching end, he could feel the anticipation building around him. The gods and goddesses, the creatures of the earth, and the spirits of nature were all awaiting the final outcome.
Odin spoke out loud, his voice ringing across the battlefield. He spoke of the end of the gods and the beginning of a new world.
As Odin's words reached the ears of the gods, they felt a wave of acceptance pass over them. They understood that they were not fighting against fate but rather fulfilling their destiny.
As the final moments of the battle approached, Odin felt a deep sense of peace. He knew that the time of Ragnarok had come, and that nothing could change the course of destiny.
With the realization that the battle was nearing its end, Odin stood tall, his resolve unshakable. He would accept the fate of the gods, whatever it might be.
As the battle reached its final moments, Odin felt a sense of relief. He knew that the fighting was nearly over and that the time of Ragnarok had truly arrived.
With a sigh of satisfaction, Odin looked around at the weary, battered gods and goddesses. He saw the exhaustion and the determination on their faces, and he knew that they had done all they could.
Odin saw the acceptance in their eyes as they looked back at him. They had fought with courage and honor, and they had done what they could. It was now up to Fate (Wyrd) to decide their fate.
Odin saw the weariness on the faces of the gods and creatures, the exhaustion from the long struggle. The battle was nearing its conclusion, and the end of the Age of the Gods was at hand.
Odin saw the end of the Age of the Gods approaching, and he knew that there was no going back. The prophecy of Ragnarök had been fulfilled, and the gods had done everything in their power to defend the universe against chaos and destruction.
Odin watched the gods, goddesses, and nature spirits, and felt a profound sense of acceptance. He knew that nothing could change the course of fate, that the outcome was the will of the Norns (Fates).
Odin steeled himself for what was to come. He had lived a full life, fulfilled his destiny, and now it was time to accept the outcome of the struggle between Order and Chaos.
As he watched the final moments approach, Odin took a deep breath and surrendered himself to fate. He knew that he had done all he could, and that whatever happened next was in the hands of the Norns.
Odin closed his eyes, accepting fate's judgement. He felt a strange sense of peace wash over him as he let go of all hope and expectation.
Odin stood tall, his face weary but resolute. He knew that the time of Ragnarok had come, and that whatever happened next was out of his hands.
As the final moments of the battle reached their climax, Odin felt a sense of surrender. He was ready to accept whatever fate had in store for him, no matter the outcome.
As the world held its breath, Odin felt the weight of fate's hand on his shoulder. He knew that the prophecy was coming true, that the end of the Age of the Gods was drawing near.
Odin felt a wave of acceptance wash over him as he realized that the time of the gods was coming to an end. He knew that there was nothing to do but watch as the prophecy of Ragnarök played out.
The air was tense with anticipation, as all of creation held its breath waiting for the end. Odin, as the regent of the Allfather, knew that the end had come, and that there was nothing left to do but let fate take its course.
As Odin looked around him, he saw the last moments of the Age of the Gods come to an end. The world was changing around them, and all they could do was watch as creation came to its conclusion.
Odin watched as the final moments passed, and he felt the weight of Fate (wyrd) come down on him. He knew that the prophecy of Ragnarök had come to pass, and that there was nothing left to do but accept it.
The battle was over, the world was changed, and the era of the gods came to an end. Odin, the Allfather's regent, looked around and saw the end of the battle. He saw the weariness and exhaustion of the gods, and he knew that they had done their best, but that it was time to move on to the next age.
The battle was over and the gods knew that their part in the drama of creation had come to an end. They had fought bravely and done everything in their power to defend the universe from annihilation, but in the end, it was the prophecies of fate that were fulfilled.
As the gods surveyed the battlefield, they saw the exhaustion and the relief on the faces of their comrades. They knew that their part in the story was done, and that it was time to relinquish their power.
As the dust of the battle settled, the gods realized that the age of order was coming to an end. The world would change, the universe would move on, and the gods would no longer have a place in it.
“Balder’s Return”
By Sabrina Saelind, Editorial Associate & Staff Writer
Editor’s Note: Many skalds and seers have foretold that Balder, the Norse god of light, will return after Ragnarok to usher in a new Golden Age of peace and justice on Earth.
Balder's return, a radiant light,
Bringing the new Golden Age to this right,
Earth healed and renewed, strife no longer near,
The Gods have forgiven, a new world dear.
The wars and sufferings, no longer to be,
New life and love, like flowers of a tree,
A new era of peace and justice, at last,
Balder's reign, eternal, a glorious past.
In ancient Greek and Roman religion, it was prophesied that the goddess Astraea, who had dwelt among humans during the prehistoric Golden Age, would someday return to usher in a new Golden Age on Earth. In this imaginative depiction, we see Astraea holding a golden scepter in her left hand with a globe on top of it, thus signifying her worldwide influence. Note the great seal of the United Nations on the blue banner behind her. (Picture Credit: Digital image created by the Editor.)
“Time Races On”
By Arinna Solann, Staff Writer
The clock of Time continues to tick, tick, tick.
Second by second, hour by hour, day by day, year by year
Time continues to march forward, forward, ever forward...
'Tis time's inevitable progress that cannot be stopped.
'Tis time's flow that cannot be altered.
And yet we can savor each moment, and cherish each day.
Time's inexorable march may make life seem like a dream.
But it's our moments and days here that matter more!
So time should not be wasted, and we should make the most
Of each passing moment and each precious day!
Let's work together to hasten the arrival of the Golden Age,
When all the world shall be filled with peace at last,
And everyone will live in harmony and love,
A world of happiness, where everyone shall have enough.
Winged Words of Wisdom
By Viviana Rivera, Staff Writer
Birthdays are such special days! It's a celebration of life, another year of experiences, lessons, and memories to cherish. It's like a little reminder of how far we have come and how much potential there is for growth and adventures ahead. Happy Birthday to the Quotemail emailing list and to our dear cousin Zenaida Sterling! May this year be filled with love, joy, and unforgettable moments for both of them!
Sayings of the Stoic Sages
Contributed by Amy Kendrick & Grace Whittier, Staff Writers
From the Desk of Amy Kendrick
The quote I like best on the theme of amor fati is from Epictetus:
"Do not seek for everything to happen as you wish it would, but rather wish that everything happens as it actually will -- and your life will flow well."
For me, this concept comes down to acceptance and understanding. We can't control the world around us, but we *can* control how we respond to it. If we can accept things as they are, and find the opportunity in every situation, we're likely to find more peace and contentment in our lives. Does that make sense?
From the Desk of Grace Whittier
I love the idea of *amor fati*, which is Latin for "love of fate". It means that we should love whatever happens to us, as if we had chosen and preferred it. As Marcus Aurelius said, "You suffer because things aren't as you would wish them to be. You complain that there's nothing you can do… But why do you complain?" This attitude of acceptance and appreciation for the present moment is the key to true happiness and fulfillment. And as Aurelius also said, "Live a good life, and the cosmos will be kind to you."
The Dharma Corner
By Lisa Romenor, Staff Writer
Here is a beautiful quote from the Buddha about aging and wisdom:
"The greatest wealth is the ability to truly appreciate what you already possess rather than striving for more. It is those who constantly seek more that are the most impoverished. The wise are those who are capable of being contented and therefore able to appreciate the present rather than those who must always strive for more." à Dhammapada 420
When we contemplate this quote, we can see that the Buddha teaches us that true wealth is found not in accumulating possessions, but in cultivating gratitude and contentment for what we already have. It is those who always pursue more materialistic things who are most impoverished. True wisdom and happiness are gained through being able to live in the present moment and appreciate the beauty and richness that life has to offer in the here and now, rather than always striving for more. It is about finding fulfillment and peace within ourselves and our current circumstances.
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