The Kindred
Gabriel Diaz
Gabe is three years into his heathen journey, and exploring religious practice over religious belief has been a key theme. One reason he loves being in the Kindred is that it's a community of religious practice and knowledge sharing, not one where everyone has to believe the same things. Like all heathens, he is always trying to find more sources and learn the lore, runes, and history better. That said, he wouldn't describe himself as a reconstructionist; in fact, he's joked that he's a 'deconstructionist.' Being in the moment, making connections with friends and community, and finding spiritual connection are at the core of his practice.
When not finding his place in the world of heathens, Gabe lives in Brooklyn, works in technology, and revels in personal finance. |
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Paul MercurioPaul is affectionately known as the Kindred's Hearth Bear and is known for his excellent hugs. He grew up on the shores of the Hudson River (i.e., the North River) and is one of the founding members of the North River Kindred. He has been a member of The Troth for over a decade, serving as the NYC Area Steward, and is the current Workshop Chairperson for the Northeast Thing, an annual regional gathering for inclusive heathens. Paul has developed and led rituals, moderated monthly lore chats for the Troth and given workshops on a range of topics from singing and history to runes. His writing has also been published as part of The Troth's publications.
Paul has a strong interest in Urglaawe and is well known for both his honoring of and research in Zisa, an obscure Continental Germanic deity. Paul has also traveled to Lithuania to learn sutartine, a style of traditional folk music that is heavily animist/pagan in nature. A personal highlight of Paul's is when he carved runes into a 5' tall stone and installed it in a park. |