This time each year people pledge resolve to renew efforts for self-improvement. We gather to witness the grains of sands run into a new year, we sleep and awaken with new enthusiasm to make changes for the better. The Grand Master of Selohaar shared with us the Virtues of Chivalry during the November 7th gather, which could be the premise of a successful New Year's resolution. Please consider this. The virtues of Chivalry are a wonderful foundation to take stock in ourselves and craft ourselves anew.

The members of the Order of Selohaar already have the Code of Chivalry close to heart. How we manifest the virtues may not be at full strength for each. I have looked over the virtues and saw that I adhered to each, some more, some less. The following is my personal assessment of my virtue of chivalry as it unfolds in the mundane world. The Order is at peace, but I feel that the world that I exist in needs my Chivalry. I hope that my strengths continue and my weaknesses can be lessened.

Courage:

- A knight was expected to be courageous in battle.

- A knight of Selohaar must have the Courage to do what is right even at peril of his own life.

I quake in my boots when I stand to confront superiors that I know they are wrong. I hesitate to voice dissent when I know mine will be the only voice. I stand and speak because someone must do what is right. My colleagues see me shake as my hand rises at meetings, and they can hear the tremble in my voice as I begin to state my opposition to what is obviously wrong. They do not see a coward; they see courage. Courage has become contagious and some of my colleagues are emboldened by my example. I hope that I can accept and bridle the fear, and recognize that I have nothing to fear when I know that what I do is just.

Defense:

- A knight's vocation lay in his defense of the Church, the people and his homeland.

- A knight of Selohaar is sworn to the defense of the innocent and of the value of truth, honour and nobility.

I hope to continue the defense of truth in my workplace. It is so tiring that I sometimes wish I could step back in truce. There can be no truce if there is hope of winning. It is so tiring to mount a defense with wavering troops for support. But a knight is trained to lead and to fight in solitary combat. With the dependable troops that have massed in my leadership, we have administered the first massive defeats the opposition has ever tasted. Diligence has made this possible. I need to persevere. I need to find and develop generals, and delegate so that a battle in defense of justice does not solely rest in me.

Faith:

- A knight put his faith in God and the Church; his faith was a bulwark against cynicism and despair.

- A knight of Selohaar has faith in his ideals and refuses to acquiesce to the delusions and hypocrisy of others.

This is where I fail daily. My faith in my ideals never fades, but faith in my ability to succeed does. When faced with a new conflict, I know I must act, but the muster to take up arms once again bring a fresh wave of doubt in myself. This is an area where I need to develop resolve.

Humility:

- Knights were instructed to be humble, that they might forsake the sin of pride and the perils of vainglory.

- A knight of Selohaar views his deeds with humility, deferring always to the greater glory to his comrades and entrusting his own renown to the words of others.

This is another area that I need to cultivate. I am not boastful, but rather excessive in my self-effacement. I believe this stems from my low faith in myself. When I have no faith in me, how can my colleagues have faith in the cause? I have been fortunate to be lifted up by members in the Order. They have opened my eyes to the good that I have accomplished.

Justice:

- A knight was empowered to mete justice, and he was taught to do so with mercy.

- A knight of Selohaar strives to mete Justice, his heart untainted by personal bias and his sword tempered with mercy.

I find it close to impossible to extend mercy/ forgiveness to an adversary once I have engaged them in conflict. This is a significant impingement to my ability to service my colleagues as a union leader. A union member who has fought against me may need me to aid them when they are in conflict with management. I have been able to get them the information they need, and put them in contact with the proper aides, but I can not personally champion them. This is unjust of me. Mea culpa.

Largesse:

- Generosity was a mark of one's nobility, the willingness to bestow gifts and rewards on one's supporters and friends, as well as those less fortunate.

- A knight of Selohaar bestows Largesse, within his means, through his goods, his time, and his spirit.

I can do more particularly for people who I know less well than my usual cronies. I have excellent role models like Sir Christian and Lord Barry. I have witnessed and been the recipient of their kind attentions.

Loyalty:

- Knights, like all feudal lords, were expected to be loyal to their liegemen.

- A knight of Selohaar demonstrates Loyalty to his Order, keeping its members and its secrets safe from those without.

I feel great love and loyalty for my fellow members of the Order of Selohaar. I hope that I never betray them by neglect or intent.

Courtesy:

- A knight was expected to be courteous to ladies and to his peers and noble superiors.

- A knight of Selohaar shows courtesy to all, high and low, whether on or off the field of honour.

I am not a lout but I know that I can improve my courtesy. I have become so numb to incivility, that I have probably become lax. I intend to monitor my behavior and cultivate my manners to the standards appropriate to a knight of the Order of Selohaar.

Prowess:

- Knights were expected to keep themselves fit and trained, so that they might be prepared for deeds of war in the service of their lord.

- A knight of Selohaar develops and maintains his prowess through exercise at arms, that he may be a ready weapon in the cause of right.

This sounds like the typical New Year's resolution; "I will eat right and exercise." It has a stronger implication than personal health and appearance. It reflects on the safety and aspect of the Order. This is not only relevant to the aspect of the Warrior that we should endeavor to hone our prowess. The Mystic and the Philosopher needs to be on the ready to campaign for right. Magick and knowledge must be maintained as well.

I intend to instill the virtues of Chivalry into my Order and mundane life. Each virtue will aid me, thus I am resolved.