Post by Volund Starfire on Jan 13, 2010 16:25:43 GMT -6
Greetings Jedi,
For those of you who do not know me and those of you who do, introductions are in order. My name is Volund Starfire and I am a Jedi. Some call me a Padawan as I am still learning upon my path, some call me a Knight as I am applying what I have learned in my life, some call me a Master as I have already trained an Apprentice to the fullest I could and have taken another. Though, I call myself only a Jedi.
I have been practicing the Jedi Philosophy for a great many years of my life. It began with the fiction. I was an avid collector of Star Wars fiction (and still am), and I did my best to emulate the training and study shown there. It was not until quite recently (well, late 2001) that I stumbled upon the internet and found others who also followed the path. Until that time, I dedicated myself to the Jedi Path as it was described in the fiction, and still do to an extent. Even today, I place a high regard on the philosophy as it is printed, drawn, and acted.
In that regard, I am a fan of the Star Wars Universe, but do not be mistaken about my dedication to the Jedi. It is not the dedication of a simple fan, but of one who has given himself to the ideals espoused within that fiction. Yes, I collect the fiction, but I am not a part of it. Yes, I have a Jedi costume, but it is not what I wear on a daily basis. I am a Jedi Realist; a philosopher of the Jedi Path in the real world. But that is only one of the titles which I can claim. Allow me to share with you others.
I am a Paladin. I am a Knight in the Order of the Paladin. Like the Jedi, the Paladin follows a philosophy that requires strict observance to a set of codes. It is a faith-based service organization which is inclusive to all religions; it only requires faith. I am currently training a Squire to Knighthood (a training regime that requires a year-and-a-day). Having accomplished that, I have been awarded the title Lord of the Order. It’s levels of title are similar to those of the Jedi, but are adhered to for the respect they represent. I use the teachings of the Paladin, in addition to those of the Jedi, to better myself in my daily life.
I am a Soldier. I hold the rank of Cadet (equivalent to a Sergeant) in the Oregon Army National Guard and have been serving my country since July of 2000. In that time I have changed my M.O.S. (military job) from a Unit Supply Specialist to Chaplain's Assistant and have entered into the R.O T.C. program to become an officer and one day a Chaplain. I served for a time in Iraq and received a handful of awards there, including the Bronze Star for bravery under fire and a Purple Heart for not ducking fast enough while under said fire.
I am a Student. I am currently attending classes at George Fox University. This is a Christian (Quaker) University that offers a multitude of degrees and educational opportunities. I am seeking dual Bachelor's Degrees in both Religion and Biblical Studies with a minor in Philosophy and Military Sciences. After graduation, I am planning to attend the George Fox Seminary to earn a Master's of Divinity and then a Doctorate of Theology and Spirituality. When I enter the Seminary, I will be applying to the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps for Chaplain Candidacy in the National Guard and go on for further educational goals. My ultimate goal is to begin instructing at the small-town community college where I got my start (while working toward a second Master's and Doctorate in Philosophy).
I am a Scholar. Specifically, I study the Jedi of the fiction. I am currently in the process of documenting everything taught or said in the fiction as well as interpreting it into the current Realist philosophy. A lengthy process that appears ever broadening as the number of sources continues to increase. However, it is a good way to encourage critical thinking and interpretation of those words of wisdom.
I am a Christian. Though some have told me that I cannot be both a Christian and a Jedi, I see no reason why both cannot complement each other. I am a Youth Minister in my church and very devout in my following of the Christian Faith. You notice I say faith and not religion. I do not claim any actual religion, as religion is a man-made following. I am a firm believer that, “God created faith, man tried to control it by separating it into religions.” Even then, I am very open-minded and respect all forms of belief, no matter their differences.
I am a Martial Artist. I am a student of the Ki Society form of Aikido. I am one grade from completing the white belt training and earning my black belt. I am focusing on the Ki Channeling, Bokken (with an ASP tactical baton rather than actual bokken), and non-lethal defense styles. It is a true Jedi art in my mind as it is totally without attack. The only way to use it would be either to be attacked or to place yourself in a defensive role between an aggressor and victim. Either way, your opponent must be the aggressor and you can defend yourself without causing any permanent damage to them.
I am an Eagle Scout. A week before I turned 18 years old, I attained the highest rank in Boy Scouts. A week after turning 18, I was accepted by B.S.A. to be an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America. I am now a Merit Badge Instructor and adult leader with several Boy Scout Troops and Cub Scout Packs. Currently, my position is the only actual Boy Scout Chaplain in the entire state of Oregon.
I am a Costumer. I am a member of the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, and Mandalorian Mercs costuming clubs. All are Star Wars Costuming groups and dedicated to the fans of the films. They do appearances for conventions, parades, and charities. Currently, I have a Rebel Fleet Trooper costume, an Imperial Officer costume, a Prequel Jedi costume, an ESB Darth Vader costume, and a custom Mandalorian costume. In the works is an X-Wing pilot costume and Thrawn costume.
I am an Author. I write both novels and wisdoms. Of the former, I have fifteen books published through Baen Books and a number of others in the works. Of the latter, I use my knowledge of the fiction to write the wisdoms of the Jedi from those works. I add this knowledge to the scholarly lore which I am collecting. I will be offering it to your website also, as I feel that all should benefit from the wisdom of others.
There is not much more that I can say about myself that is not already summed up in the above. My life, for my Jedi brothers and sisters, is an open book. If there is more you wish to know about me, ask and it shall be revealed. Until then, I will leave you with this (my favorite greeting and parting).
May the peace and wisdom of the Force be with you now and forever.
Volund Starfire
For those of you who do not know me and those of you who do, introductions are in order. My name is Volund Starfire and I am a Jedi. Some call me a Padawan as I am still learning upon my path, some call me a Knight as I am applying what I have learned in my life, some call me a Master as I have already trained an Apprentice to the fullest I could and have taken another. Though, I call myself only a Jedi.
I have been practicing the Jedi Philosophy for a great many years of my life. It began with the fiction. I was an avid collector of Star Wars fiction (and still am), and I did my best to emulate the training and study shown there. It was not until quite recently (well, late 2001) that I stumbled upon the internet and found others who also followed the path. Until that time, I dedicated myself to the Jedi Path as it was described in the fiction, and still do to an extent. Even today, I place a high regard on the philosophy as it is printed, drawn, and acted.
In that regard, I am a fan of the Star Wars Universe, but do not be mistaken about my dedication to the Jedi. It is not the dedication of a simple fan, but of one who has given himself to the ideals espoused within that fiction. Yes, I collect the fiction, but I am not a part of it. Yes, I have a Jedi costume, but it is not what I wear on a daily basis. I am a Jedi Realist; a philosopher of the Jedi Path in the real world. But that is only one of the titles which I can claim. Allow me to share with you others.
I am a Paladin. I am a Knight in the Order of the Paladin. Like the Jedi, the Paladin follows a philosophy that requires strict observance to a set of codes. It is a faith-based service organization which is inclusive to all religions; it only requires faith. I am currently training a Squire to Knighthood (a training regime that requires a year-and-a-day). Having accomplished that, I have been awarded the title Lord of the Order. It’s levels of title are similar to those of the Jedi, but are adhered to for the respect they represent. I use the teachings of the Paladin, in addition to those of the Jedi, to better myself in my daily life.
I am a Soldier. I hold the rank of Cadet (equivalent to a Sergeant) in the Oregon Army National Guard and have been serving my country since July of 2000. In that time I have changed my M.O.S. (military job) from a Unit Supply Specialist to Chaplain's Assistant and have entered into the R.O T.C. program to become an officer and one day a Chaplain. I served for a time in Iraq and received a handful of awards there, including the Bronze Star for bravery under fire and a Purple Heart for not ducking fast enough while under said fire.
I am a Student. I am currently attending classes at George Fox University. This is a Christian (Quaker) University that offers a multitude of degrees and educational opportunities. I am seeking dual Bachelor's Degrees in both Religion and Biblical Studies with a minor in Philosophy and Military Sciences. After graduation, I am planning to attend the George Fox Seminary to earn a Master's of Divinity and then a Doctorate of Theology and Spirituality. When I enter the Seminary, I will be applying to the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps for Chaplain Candidacy in the National Guard and go on for further educational goals. My ultimate goal is to begin instructing at the small-town community college where I got my start (while working toward a second Master's and Doctorate in Philosophy).
I am a Scholar. Specifically, I study the Jedi of the fiction. I am currently in the process of documenting everything taught or said in the fiction as well as interpreting it into the current Realist philosophy. A lengthy process that appears ever broadening as the number of sources continues to increase. However, it is a good way to encourage critical thinking and interpretation of those words of wisdom.
I am a Christian. Though some have told me that I cannot be both a Christian and a Jedi, I see no reason why both cannot complement each other. I am a Youth Minister in my church and very devout in my following of the Christian Faith. You notice I say faith and not religion. I do not claim any actual religion, as religion is a man-made following. I am a firm believer that, “God created faith, man tried to control it by separating it into religions.” Even then, I am very open-minded and respect all forms of belief, no matter their differences.
I am a Martial Artist. I am a student of the Ki Society form of Aikido. I am one grade from completing the white belt training and earning my black belt. I am focusing on the Ki Channeling, Bokken (with an ASP tactical baton rather than actual bokken), and non-lethal defense styles. It is a true Jedi art in my mind as it is totally without attack. The only way to use it would be either to be attacked or to place yourself in a defensive role between an aggressor and victim. Either way, your opponent must be the aggressor and you can defend yourself without causing any permanent damage to them.
I am an Eagle Scout. A week before I turned 18 years old, I attained the highest rank in Boy Scouts. A week after turning 18, I was accepted by B.S.A. to be an adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America. I am now a Merit Badge Instructor and adult leader with several Boy Scout Troops and Cub Scout Packs. Currently, my position is the only actual Boy Scout Chaplain in the entire state of Oregon.
I am a Costumer. I am a member of the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, and Mandalorian Mercs costuming clubs. All are Star Wars Costuming groups and dedicated to the fans of the films. They do appearances for conventions, parades, and charities. Currently, I have a Rebel Fleet Trooper costume, an Imperial Officer costume, a Prequel Jedi costume, an ESB Darth Vader costume, and a custom Mandalorian costume. In the works is an X-Wing pilot costume and Thrawn costume.
I am an Author. I write both novels and wisdoms. Of the former, I have fifteen books published through Baen Books and a number of others in the works. Of the latter, I use my knowledge of the fiction to write the wisdoms of the Jedi from those works. I add this knowledge to the scholarly lore which I am collecting. I will be offering it to your website also, as I feel that all should benefit from the wisdom of others.
There is not much more that I can say about myself that is not already summed up in the above. My life, for my Jedi brothers and sisters, is an open book. If there is more you wish to know about me, ask and it shall be revealed. Until then, I will leave you with this (my favorite greeting and parting).
May the peace and wisdom of the Force be with you now and forever.
Volund Starfire
An impressive life history you have. I hope you will enjoy it here. We look forward to your contributions.
