Summer Harvest

I wonder if I have any readers left who remember the Frog n’ Blog, the original incarnation of this site? I know a few of you found Summer Harvest after the unexpected and ignominous death of Fantastic Planet, but was anyone around in 2003 when we were essentially a carbon-copy and reactionary political site, before we found our voice and decided to focus, instead, on Gnosticism, forteana and the occasional yummy treat? It seems like a zillion years ago.

Since then, other ‘blogs’ and websites focusing on forteana have increased exponentially, and people who are now writing on the subject are running circles around us dilettantes and dabblers whose interest is more scholastic and speculative than practical. Those interested in the subject of Gnosticism now have a plethora of places to visit, composed by people far more erudite than I. It is my sincere hope, as such, that the few readers and visitors I’ve had over the past number of years will find valuable and exciting new sites to haunt, as I am officially closing down Summer Harvest.

Unlike the past few transitions from the Frog n’ Blog to Fantastic Planet to Summer Harvest, I will no longer be continuing the creative chain of this site. There will be no more causal nexus of themes or ideas. Although it is possible I may continue elsewhere in a different vein, I feel that this particular cistern is currently dry, and the current is flowing in different directions. I won’t be vanishing for good, but my focus within Gnostic circles needs to be more personal and more real-world than it has been.

This withdrawal extends to my participation in the Palm Tree Garden. The people over there are more than exceptional, and I have total faith that they’ll be able to continue the community without my direct involvement.

Thanks to all of my readers, past and present, and to the fine individuals who contributed throughout the years to the ideas found on this site, including– but not limited to– Tim, Joel, Dave, Jeff, Scott, Thomas, Marsha, Jennifer, John, Donald, Doug and anyone and everyone who has ever commented (except that guy who seems so concerned about the size of my naughty bits).

I’ve been a monstrous, self-promoting crazy person on this site, and it’s time to put the ego in check for a while, or at least to shoot for a bit of humility. If I leave any impression, I hope that it’s that behind all of the self-serving, ego-driven self-promotion of which I’ve always been guilty, I’ve tried to cling, however desperately, to the essential idea that the world would be a much better place if we all tried to be a little kind to one another.

[Edited 11/19: There was a section here that caused too much distress to too many people who I hold in high regard, so it’s been removed with apologies to any offended parties. The gist of it was: Gnostics should all be getting together, ’cause it’s really difficult to determine just what Gnosticism really is, so modern Gnosticism is a new phenomenon and people who cling to tradition *and* people who revile tradition are both wrong and should be figuring out how to work out differences or there’ll be trouble ahead. Again, sorry for bruised egos.]

As for me, I’m dropping out, at least temporarily, of the greater Gnostic movement. I’ll be focusing on the Order of Allogenes, and on personal practice. I realize my words are likely as significant to modern Gnostics as the squeak of a mouse to the nearest sea turtle, but there they are nonetheless. Those to whom they are directed will know upon reading them, and those for whom they have no meaning, likewise.

I remain devoted to the Gnostic Path, and those who wish to contact me can do so through the OA.

Thank you for reading, and for thinking.