Tag: houseoftheholy
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A Distant Flame
It is with deep regret that I was unable to ascend the Alm this Midsummer. A consistent, welcome retreat in my yearly travels, Abtenau has brought me to many heights, tempered by occasional lows. This is the only time I have been absent since first attending in 2015, outside of travel restrictions beyond anyone’s control.…
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Escalation
Things are mostly getting worse. My neurologist referral has stalled, with my symptoms degrading further, so I reached out to my GP last week to expedite the next step. Despite a separate optician appointment confirming my blurred vision isn’t just a sudden change of prescription, I still need to know what’s wrong with that and…
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![[PLACEHOLDER] CT Scanner Stock image](https://heathenstorm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/istockphoto-2200553321-612x612-1.jpg)
“For as long as I can, I will”
The course of life can change very suddenly, and without warning, context, or expectation. April started positively, with a short trip to the homeland to reset myself in anticipation of my final term at the Academy. No stressors or negativity, just self-assured confidence and knowing I’ve done far better than expected in my degree. A…
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Ten Years of Blood and Fire
Nearly a fortnight has passed since the Summer Solstice on Neudegg Alm, and life has barely calmed since that wondrous night of flame and belonging. With the heat of the moment propelling once-aching feet towards new possibilities, I must take pause to reflect and release before moving on. It was my tenth year on the…
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Of climbing…
I’d never climbed a mountain before. At the start of this year’s House of the Holy festival in Abtenau, Austria, a group of friends from the UK and Sweden decided that’s just what they were going to do, taking on the First Pass in the nearby Tennengebirge range. Accepting their kind invite and relishing the…
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Tears of the Mountain
I was not alone for Midsummer. It had been a hard year for many. Some had lost those dear, and others still had lost part of themselves. The abrasion of existence scratching away at the best of us, compelling cruelty and distrust through uncertain times. A common burden, one often and needlessly borne alone. Thoughts…
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To Dream among the Spires of the Earth
With two weeks to go until the annual Alpine pilgrimage to Neudegg Alm and the House of the Holy gathering, I reflect upon one of my rare dabbles into journalism. Back in 2017, the festival had changed. Previously known as ‘Funkenflug’, this year would have it renamed to the current form, and with it a…
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Memories of Midsummer Madness
After a 2500+ mile round trip to the mountain, I finally have time to reflect upon the journey. One which took me across eight countries and to the brink of wild abandon. The first time I’ve celebrated my actual birthday in Abtenau, it was humbling to receive such kindness from friends old and new. My…
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