All Who Gather
April 17th, 2011 by John WolfeRevisiting S.J. Tucker’s work, this time with the song, “For The Love Of All Who Gather.” I first found Tucker’s music last August when I posted a vid for her awesome Witch’s Rune. Now you might be thinking, Okay, John, what the heck does this have to do with Halloween or spooky stuff? Ahh, glad you asked. For me, folksy pagan type music always brings forth the feelings of fall.
There’s just something about a song where the message discusses spirit, honor and our connectivity to the planet, to nature and to one another that puts me in an autumnal state of mind. I suppose it’s because fall is just so amazingly organic feeling with harvest time, the gorgeous colors and leaves everywhere that I find myself feeling much more spiritually connected than usual.
Sooj’s (as S.J. is often called) lyrics and voice give me an October attitude adjustment even when the calendar swears it’s springtime.
Source: YT user, KeepMusicPagan
Another reason I’m drawn to works like this is because of the recent health stuff I mentioned in a previous post. I won’t bore you with all the details, but I’ve been dealing with some severe upper digestive problems, so much so that an endoscopy (camera and light sent down the esophagus and into the stomach) was performed on me a few days ago.
Thankfully the results were normal, but I’m still waiting on more tests. In the meantime, I’ve been really trying to find a more peaceful center within myself, as stress and worry aggravates the condition. And, S.J.’s beautifully haunting music certainly helps when finding that center.
One cool thing about having the endoscopy done, they let you have color copies of the photos showing your insides — just the thing a Halloween prop builder needs for inspiration! 
April 17th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
Have them check you for celiac sprue, buddy. I hope you are doing better and getting some answers soon. Thanks for the bit of October. I really needed it. It’s in the 90s today. UGH! Keep us posted.
April 17th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Man, that sounds like it sucked. I hope you get better soon!
April 17th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
autumnforest,
Thanks, my friend. I’ve been researching all sorts of info on hiatal (hiatus) hernia, esophageal stricture, gallbladder issues, etc. But I haven’t heard of celiac sprue. I’m on my way to research that one immediately. The doctor ruled out hiatal hernia with the endoscopy (even though most of my symptoms are identical to the hernia) and ruled out a stricture as well. The results for the gallbladder should be back soon, so I’ll eventually know what’s going on there.
Glad to give you some October coolness when I can. 90s? Yikes! I know we’re in for a hot one this year with no moisture but I’m sure it’s nothing like you guys.
Damian,
Thanks! Actually the endoscopy went far smoother than I expected. They give you good drugs! It’s much more difficult dealing with the crazy digestive stuff on a daily basis than having the camera stuck down your throat for a few minutes. Blue Oyster Cult sang, Don’t Fear the Reaper but my new song is Don’t Fear the Endoscopy.
April 18th, 2011 at 12:37 am
Hey J! Interesting that I saw this in my emails since I too recently had an endoscopy procedure done. I have a hiatal hernia and some other fun stuff going on so I totally feel your pain. Hope all goes well for you and know that your not the only one going through this. Here’s to your health.
April 18th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
Wow how did I get left behind? I guess all that I was facing regarding life and changes soon to come heavily occupied my mind and then some. Sorry about that but I know you “fully” understand my current situation so I’ll leave it at that.
At the risk of sounding like Dwight Shrute (lol)
QUESTION: Will we be the lucky ones to have you POST the pictuers of the insides of your stomach? A rather odd request I’m sure but I’ve never seen pics like that before and it would be interesting to look at. Of course I realize that’s very personal in nature but hey….you brought it up my friend. Might sound icky but I would love to see the pictures sometime.
Listening to the vid above reminds me alot of Loreena Mckennitt. I was a big fan of hers in the mid 90′s because her voice is so angelic, very gentle yet powerful at the same time. Sort of like my personality
You would probably enjoy most celtic music if you find this artist soothing. There are all sorts of great tunes out there. Speaking of which, before I lose my WiFi for about 3 weeks I thought I better use up my gift card to purchase more gym music. LoL between listening to this video now in the middle of my searching deep house trance albums is most unique. My feet are stepping as if they’re on the stairmaster but my body was being seduced into relaxation because of the video on here. LoL, my body was all confused 
For me when it comes to nature and sounds that remind me of such and put me in a meditative mood, any sounds of JUST nature will do it for me. I could sleep to the sound of the ocean, clean house to the sound of birds singing, check my email to the sound of a waterfall and so forth. I find that I’m a bit sensitive to lyrics being sung (I’m that way with my gym music too) but when it’s just sounds or just the beat bassing out, I’m good to go!!!
I hope your feeling better my dear close friend and I do pray that very VERY soon your able to find out what the problem is so you can do your best to correct it. Quite frankly I already know your doing everything possible now so just keep up the great work and let me know if there is any way I can assist you
April 18th, 2011 at 7:48 pm
Fiend4Halloween,
Well wishes right back at you! Here’s to your health too. I’m so sorry to hear about your hiatal hernia. Are you considering surgery for it? I have a pretty good book on using diet and breathing exercises to rehab the body specifically for hiatal hernia without resorting to surgery, if you’re interested. Even though the doc said I didn’t have one, I’ve still been using the book’s approach to try and ease some of my symptoms. It’s helped a little, even though my problems apparently aren’t related to that.
How did your scoping go? Hope all went smoothly during the procedure for you.
Goldie,
I can never hear Dwight’s last name, or see it in print again without thinking of the “take your kid to work” episode! Honestly I hadn’t really considered posting the images. They’re not too gnarly looking or anything, I just didn’t really think about that. That might make a good “farewell to my digestive problems” entry once I get this thing fully under control, though. [staying positive]
Loreena definitely has some amazing music and a voice to back it up, that’s for sure. I’ve listened to a few of her songs on YT.
I share in the water sounds with you! I’m really big on running water — the kind that sounds like a creek making its way gently down a mountainside. Of course, as you well know, water’s always been a huge part of my life but it’s even more of a craving for me to be around it and in it since my drinking it is so limited these days due to the internal pressure. While most probably fantasize about something romantic, a delicious meal or an upcoming vacation, I’m currently dreaming about the day I can once again fully quench my thirst and gorge myself with H2O.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt well wishes and support, my friend! I absolutely appreciate it.
April 23rd, 2011 at 3:32 am
I hope you get to feeling better soon. I have stomach problems myself.
April 27th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Thank you so much, Ethan. I’m sorry to hear you, too, are having stomach stuff going on. Hope you feel better!