1. Define "warrior".
A warrior is someone who has the ability to stand up for what is right -- either for defense of something or to change something -- and does it. The manner of "fighting," though, can take many forms and isn't limited to physical conflict.
2. What do you understand to be the role of a warrior in Celtic society? What about female warriors?
Warriors in Celtic society, as in any other society, are responsible to defend society. In the United States, part of the oath servicemembers take says something like "defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic." That, to me, is the role of a warrior in any society. I also believe that females were not just limited to the home-front since there are warrior Goddesses and legends about women fighting. All legends and myths have some basis in truth.
3. What is yor preception of a warrori woman?
I think it takes more "guts" to be a women warrior because current society seems to think women should not be activists of any sort. Society assumes that a passionate woman is either PMSing or being too emotional.
4. How does the warrior aspect of yourself fit in with other expressions of your Celtic Paganism?
Since I feel that all members of society are to show some "warrior aspects," I look at it as just another role I occasionally need to take on. I believe that if I see a wrong -- and I have the means to prevent it or change it -- I am required to do so. While that may not be a popular belief, it's one that I personally wish more people held.
5. Do you feel it is necessary to be a warrior to be involved with Celtic woman's spirituality? Why or why not?
Yes, I believe it's important to be able to stand up (and fight) for your beliefs. I believe that it's necessary to be a warrior to be a complete human.
6. Have you ever felt like a warrior in your life? If so, when?
I spent seven years as active-duty military. You don't get much more "Warrior" then that. That experience aside, I have fought for my daughter when her biological father and I were going through a divorce. In fact, fighting for any member of my family isn't unusual.
7. Have you ever felt that using your warrior self was not the feminine thing to do? When and why?
No, not really. I believe that it is every person's responsibility to stand up for what is right and to change what is wrong.
8. Do you allow others to control you too often, or do you often contorl others? How would your warrior self affect these spects, both positively and negatively?
I'm not sure. I think I am usually level-headed enough to hear various sides of the story before I rush to change things. I'm also a planner, so I try to think things through. In my opinion, both of those are important "warrior" qualities. There's never been a successful general who didn't listen to his advisors.
9. Do you use common sense in your daily life, or do you rely too often on only magickal protections?
I believe I use much more common sense then I do magick. I usually think of magick as a last resort when all my other ideas have failed.
10. Who relies on your protection and good judgement?
For starters, I have a 15 year-old daughter and a 21-year-old step-daughter. My husband has had multiple back surgeries and his on disability. All three of them depend on me in some respect. I'm also active in some service organizations (and by active, I mean on the "board of directors"), so the membership of those groups, as well as the people that board supports, are dependent on my judgement. In the work-place, my clients depend on me to steer them in the right direction since most of them have little to no web building or internet marketing experience. Finally, I suppose anyone who comes to me with a problem and asks my advice would depend on my good judgement. (OH, I have three cats and three dogs who obviously depend on me for protection and, while they may not be who you intended with this question, it doesn't change the answer!)
Monday, January 12, 2009
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Entering the Sheila-Na-Gig
1. For each element, you had to cross an obstical. Explain how you crosed to the caulrdron for each element.
For Earth: I walked. There was soft, cold, dirt "squishing" between my toes. I imagined my stone was in hand, and the scent of wildflowers filled my nostrils.
For Air: I used my Athame and I cut the air, allowing me safe passage to where I needed and wanted to be.
For Fire: This one was done in a blaze. I could feel the heat and see the beauty of the flames. It was an instant, as if riding on the flame itself.
For Water: This was a small canoe. I pictured myself at a lake I used to go to when I was growing up.
2. What messages were revealed to you, and what was the personal message you obtained?
The largest, most important message I got was that the past, present, and future are so intertwined. Everything is related. But I need to remember to take time for me in order to make my mark on the world -- the mark I was put here TO make.
3. Journal your experiance, thoughts and feelings for this ritual.
I enjoyed this ritual. I liked the calm that it inspired in me. I will admit that I had to try it multiple times as I kept falling asleep! Overall, though, I learned to relax. I learned that it's ok --and really, absolutely necessary -- to take things slow once in awhile.
For Earth: I walked. There was soft, cold, dirt "squishing" between my toes. I imagined my stone was in hand, and the scent of wildflowers filled my nostrils.
For Air: I used my Athame and I cut the air, allowing me safe passage to where I needed and wanted to be.
For Fire: This one was done in a blaze. I could feel the heat and see the beauty of the flames. It was an instant, as if riding on the flame itself.
For Water: This was a small canoe. I pictured myself at a lake I used to go to when I was growing up.
2. What messages were revealed to you, and what was the personal message you obtained?
The largest, most important message I got was that the past, present, and future are so intertwined. Everything is related. But I need to remember to take time for me in order to make my mark on the world -- the mark I was put here TO make.
3. Journal your experiance, thoughts and feelings for this ritual.
I enjoyed this ritual. I liked the calm that it inspired in me. I will admit that I had to try it multiple times as I kept falling asleep! Overall, though, I learned to relax. I learned that it's ok --and really, absolutely necessary -- to take things slow once in awhile.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Celtic Traditions paper
You are to reaserch all of the following traditions in the Celtic Path. Explain and compare the different branches of:
* Irish
* Scottish
* Welsh
* Gaulish
* Druidism
* Bards
* Faery
This was a difficult assignment in part because of the lack of information that still exists from ancient times. Let me start by defining the terms you've selected.
Celtic is an umbrella word. Not only does it relate to an ethnic group, but also to linguistic and cultural groups as well.
Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Gaulish all make up the Celts. The Irish people are from the island of Ireland. The Scottish people from Scotland. The Welsh people from Wales. The Gaulish people from other areas of Western Europe — namely France, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany. Although it was said specifically of the Irish, it is true for any of these people, "Many notable cultural divides exist between the rural people and city dwellers, between the Catholic and Protestant people of Northern Ireland, between the Irish-speaking people inside and outside the Gaeltacht regions and the English-speaking majority population, and increasingly between new immigrants and the native population. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Ireland)"
Druids, Bards, and Faeries are even more specialized. Bards seem to be the poets and storytellers of the Celtic world. Druids would have been the priests and "learned class" of the society. Faeries are described by Wikipedia as "a type of mythological being or legendary creature, a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural or preternatural."
Therefore, the first few terms are really "region specific." People who follow these paths — Irish, Scottish, Welsh, or Gaulish — all have regional differences that would have to do specifically with that area of the world. What traditions are common in Ireland, may not be exactly the same in the areas we're considering Gaul.
Differences in Druids, Bards, and Faeries are even more interesting. In addition to possible regional differences, there is a problem with the lack of records from the era. Even the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids claims that there are many types of Druids, some montotheistic, some polytheistic. (http://www.druidry.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=PagEd&file=index&topic_id=1&page_id=30)
There is really no way to determine the "correct" way to accomplish any of these paths. Too much has been lost. Too much is currently speculated. Too much is just plain not known. Those who wish to follow this path need to understand that and take what resonates with us and leave the rest.
* Irish
* Scottish
* Welsh
* Gaulish
* Druidism
* Bards
* Faery
This was a difficult assignment in part because of the lack of information that still exists from ancient times. Let me start by defining the terms you've selected.
Celtic is an umbrella word. Not only does it relate to an ethnic group, but also to linguistic and cultural groups as well.
Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and Gaulish all make up the Celts. The Irish people are from the island of Ireland. The Scottish people from Scotland. The Welsh people from Wales. The Gaulish people from other areas of Western Europe — namely France, Belgium, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany. Although it was said specifically of the Irish, it is true for any of these people, "Many notable cultural divides exist between the rural people and city dwellers, between the Catholic and Protestant people of Northern Ireland, between the Irish-speaking people inside and outside the Gaeltacht regions and the English-speaking majority population, and increasingly between new immigrants and the native population. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Ireland)"
Druids, Bards, and Faeries are even more specialized. Bards seem to be the poets and storytellers of the Celtic world. Druids would have been the priests and "learned class" of the society. Faeries are described by Wikipedia as "a type of mythological being or legendary creature, a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural or preternatural."
Therefore, the first few terms are really "region specific." People who follow these paths — Irish, Scottish, Welsh, or Gaulish — all have regional differences that would have to do specifically with that area of the world. What traditions are common in Ireland, may not be exactly the same in the areas we're considering Gaul.
Differences in Druids, Bards, and Faeries are even more interesting. In addition to possible regional differences, there is a problem with the lack of records from the era. Even the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids claims that there are many types of Druids, some montotheistic, some polytheistic. (http://www.druidry.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=PagEd&file=index&topic_id=1&page_id=30)
There is really no way to determine the "correct" way to accomplish any of these paths. Too much has been lost. Too much is currently speculated. Too much is just plain not known. Those who wish to follow this path need to understand that and take what resonates with us and leave the rest.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Another Great Quote
"I … have to constantly balance "being a writer" with being a wife and mother. It's a matter of putting two different things first, simultaneously." Madeleine L'Engle
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...
Mrs. Lupin
You like a nice, kind guy with a bit of a fierce streak and you don't mind if he comes damaged. Sure, he may take some convincing since his self-esteem's so low, but once you win him over, you know he's yours for life. Unless of course he has an attack of "I'm not good enough" and runs away, but luckily he's also good at making friends who will push him back into line if necessary.
(Art by Gold-Seven http://gold-seven.deviantart.com/ Used with permission.)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Questions for Celtic Pagan Women
1. How do you define
2. Why are you interested in the Celtic aspects of Paganism? I have Irish ancestors, so I think that's what originally drew me to the Celtic style, but the more I learn, the more it seems "right" with me.
3. What sets apart Celtic Pagan expressions from other culturally based Pagan traditions? First, we don't have a lot of "facts" about these people. Not much was kept from then to today. It makes it difficult to know with any degree of certainty what exactly happened. Second, I think there seems to be so much of the Celtic path that was incorporated into other traditions. Finally, there seems to be a huge resurgence of this path that we just don't see in Ancient Rome, for example.
4. What are your first reactions to these words:
5. What are your spiritual goals in yoru chosen path? My goal is simple: to become closer to the Divine.
6. How do you feel about the societal stratification of the Celts? Every culture has/had some sort of stratification system. It happens.
7. How do you plan to reconcile the more negative aspects of the Celtic world to your own Celtic practice? Every culture learns and grows. Every person grows. There is a bit of the negative in each of us and we learn to grow through that. I believe the same in the Celtic world. There was negativity. It would have changed by this point, just as everything else does. I will take what I need and discard the rest.
8. What do you see as the role of women in old Celtic Paganism? This is a difficult question because of the lack of historical writing from the people. I believe, though, based on the Celtic mythology, that women were more respected than in other ancient cultures. Therefore, I think women held positions and responsibilities in each of the various levels of society. I think some women were responsible for teaching, others not. I think some healed, others not.
9. What attracts you to the women's spiritual aspects of Celtic Paganism? As a woman, I feel that Celtic Paganism empowered women more than other pagan traditions.
10. What do you hope to get out of this course? I hope to receive a deeper understanding of the path I'm drawn to. I also hope to learn about myself.
- Paganism: A polytheistic view of the Divine
- Witchcraft: Using magic, often in worship, always as a way of life
- Wicca: A religion incorporating both paganism and witchcraft
2. Why are you interested in the Celtic aspects of Paganism? I have Irish ancestors, so I think that's what originally drew me to the Celtic style, but the more I learn, the more it seems "right" with me.
3. What sets apart Celtic Pagan expressions from other culturally based Pagan traditions? First, we don't have a lot of "facts" about these people. Not much was kept from then to today. It makes it difficult to know with any degree of certainty what exactly happened. Second, I think there seems to be so much of the Celtic path that was incorporated into other traditions. Finally, there seems to be a huge resurgence of this path that we just don't see in Ancient Rome, for example.
4. What are your first reactions to these words:
- Celtic: an ancient culture originating in what is now northern Europe
- Wicca: an earth-based religion
- Craft: creating something out of something else
- Witchcraft: performing spells
- Pagan: worshiping multiple deities
- Faery: fun, light, playful "spirits"; they remind us to be children -- in both positive and negative ways
- Women's Spirituality: any spirituality practiced/believed by a woman or created for women
5. What are your spiritual goals in yoru chosen path? My goal is simple: to become closer to the Divine.
6. How do you feel about the societal stratification of the Celts? Every culture has/had some sort of stratification system. It happens.
7. How do you plan to reconcile the more negative aspects of the Celtic world to your own Celtic practice? Every culture learns and grows. Every person grows. There is a bit of the negative in each of us and we learn to grow through that. I believe the same in the Celtic world. There was negativity. It would have changed by this point, just as everything else does. I will take what I need and discard the rest.
8. What do you see as the role of women in old Celtic Paganism? This is a difficult question because of the lack of historical writing from the people. I believe, though, based on the Celtic mythology, that women were more respected than in other ancient cultures. Therefore, I think women held positions and responsibilities in each of the various levels of society. I think some women were responsible for teaching, others not. I think some healed, others not.
9. What attracts you to the women's spiritual aspects of Celtic Paganism? As a woman, I feel that Celtic Paganism empowered women more than other pagan traditions.
10. What do you hope to get out of this course? I hope to receive a deeper understanding of the path I'm drawn to. I also hope to learn about myself.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Where is the "school?"
The class I'm taking can be found at www.mistresskalpanasrealm.com
They have MANY classes to choose from. Enjoy!
They have MANY classes to choose from. Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Introductory Assignment
The book referred to is "Celtic Women's Spirituality" by Edain McCoy
1. Please explain the difference between "religion" and "spirituality". Also discuss how these two terms are simmilar.
Religion is a set of beliefs — the "what," if you will. Spirituality is the "how." For some people, the way they approach their spiritual life is exactly how the leaders of their chosen religion tell them to. For others, the two things are completely different. Personally, I find a strict religion difficult to connect with the Divine. I know others for whom it's the strictness that they appreciate. That is the spirituality. The WAY you connect with the Divine.
2. What are the defining characteristics of Celtic Pagan spirituality, and how do they reflect in your life?
The characteristics of Celtic Pagan spirituality are listed on page xiii of the book. To summarize, though, it is a path that believes the Divine is everywhere and in everything; that magic is a natural thing; and that the Otherworld is a mirror of this physical world. These are things I was taught from an early age and grew up believing. Add in the fairy world and some festivals, and you have the Celtic beliefs! In my life, I make time for the fairies. I celebrate the holidays and festivals as best I can. I try to learn everything there is about the history of the Celts, because this is an ethnic path and without the history, you can't understand the people.
3. What are the defining characteristics of women's spirituality, and how do they reflect in your life?
These 6 characteristics are listed on page xiv. The main idea of this belief is that all women are worthy, all are a vision of the Goddess, all are amazing. While I can see all other women as part of the Goddess, I have trouble remembering *I* am part of Her as well. That is something I hope to "fix" with this course.
4. Explain how you can combine Celtic and Women's spirituality into one?
Personally, I feel that both "traditions" ask for women to be strong and independent. Because I find the history of the Celts so interesting, as well as the idea of strong women so appealing, combining the two ideals seems to fit my personality. I do not believe, though, that it is something that will take much additional effort because of the similarities that are already there.
5. What is the Cauldron of Life?
The Cauldron of Life is many things. It is the representation of the womb, where all life begins. It could also be a portal between worlds. In some mythology, the cauldron represented endless knowledge, endless life, or endless sustenance. As the book says on page xix, the cauldron is a "vessel of never-ending abundance." It is a symbol of the power of women — especially Celtic women.
1. Please explain the difference between "religion" and "spirituality". Also discuss how these two terms are simmilar.
Religion is a set of beliefs — the "what," if you will. Spirituality is the "how." For some people, the way they approach their spiritual life is exactly how the leaders of their chosen religion tell them to. For others, the two things are completely different. Personally, I find a strict religion difficult to connect with the Divine. I know others for whom it's the strictness that they appreciate. That is the spirituality. The WAY you connect with the Divine.
2. What are the defining characteristics of Celtic Pagan spirituality, and how do they reflect in your life?
The characteristics of Celtic Pagan spirituality are listed on page xiii of the book. To summarize, though, it is a path that believes the Divine is everywhere and in everything; that magic is a natural thing; and that the Otherworld is a mirror of this physical world. These are things I was taught from an early age and grew up believing. Add in the fairy world and some festivals, and you have the Celtic beliefs! In my life, I make time for the fairies. I celebrate the holidays and festivals as best I can. I try to learn everything there is about the history of the Celts, because this is an ethnic path and without the history, you can't understand the people.
3. What are the defining characteristics of women's spirituality, and how do they reflect in your life?
These 6 characteristics are listed on page xiv. The main idea of this belief is that all women are worthy, all are a vision of the Goddess, all are amazing. While I can see all other women as part of the Goddess, I have trouble remembering *I* am part of Her as well. That is something I hope to "fix" with this course.
4. Explain how you can combine Celtic and Women's spirituality into one?
Personally, I feel that both "traditions" ask for women to be strong and independent. Because I find the history of the Celts so interesting, as well as the idea of strong women so appealing, combining the two ideals seems to fit my personality. I do not believe, though, that it is something that will take much additional effort because of the similarities that are already there.
5. What is the Cauldron of Life?
The Cauldron of Life is many things. It is the representation of the womb, where all life begins. It could also be a portal between worlds. In some mythology, the cauldron represented endless knowledge, endless life, or endless sustenance. As the book says on page xix, the cauldron is a "vessel of never-ending abundance." It is a symbol of the power of women — especially Celtic women.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Where's Waldo? or How come I'm not hearing what I need to?
Do you remember the Where's Waldo books? If not, it's a book for kids with pictures like this one and your mission is to find the hidden Waldo on each page. I'm usually pretty good at that.Maybe it's because I *love* mysteries. Maybe I'm just pretty good at finding things. Maybe I'm just able to pick up on where the hidden object is. Whatever the reason, I enjoy any of those hidden-picture things. But lately I'm not seeing the hidden.
I seem to be so focused on the nitty-gritty crap of life that I'm not seeing the big picture. Truthfully, it's driving me nuts. I'm not hearing the spirits or the angels or my inner guidance or whatever your personal belief system calls it. But I don't know *why* I'm not getting those messages.
Is it me? Am I doing something wrong? Probably. At least a little. I know I'm not taking the time I need for myself. But how do I change that? I have a teenager who wants to spend the summer anywhere but here, and a busy life that doesn't always take place in my home or office. I need to take that time. I need to get out of the house. I need to hike through the Black Hills and be in nature. Yet, when I do, there's so much stuff I should/could do around the house that isn't getting done because I'm out "goofing off."
Is it the energy around me? Maybe. I feel like my teenager is doing all she can to pull away. Yes, I know that's normal growing up nonsense, but it hurts. She recently told me I wasn't the best tarot reader for her because I put in too much mom-stuff. That may not sound so bad, but I took it as I wasn't a good reader. It hurt. And even though I heard the words she said, it was her tone that said more than anything else. It hurt. A lot.
Is it work? Maybe. I'm still trying to write that mystery. I am stuck on a part and it just frustrates the hell out of me! I can't even hear messages from the Goddess Brigid (whom I just LOVE, by the way!). Then again, I don't feel much like asking.
Is it clutter? Probably. My office is cluttered and I spend a lot of time in here. Both for work as a web designer, work as a writer, to study, to read. I need to clear some things out and not let my family use my office as their dumping ground. Not for their stuff, their problems, or their negative energy. (And no, the family doesn't always dump their negative on me, but hey, Mom can fix everything, right?)
Am I just not listening? That could be it, too. I'm sure the lessons and the messages are there and I'm just missing them. I need to take the time for me. I need to do what's in/on my heart.
Am I not seeing the opportunities around me? Hmmm... just thought of this one. I really want to read tarot cards professionally. (Maybe that's why it hurt so badly when my teen said what she did.) I don't know how to start reading, though. Well, I mean, I *read* the cards and think I'm pretty good, but how do I get started reading professionally? How do I make that happen? Have there been opportunities that I just didn't see? Messages I didn't hear? If so, how did I miss them? Where did I miss them?
Bottom line is that I need to get out of this funk. I need to remember to ask my amazing husband for help, but not get bitchy when he can't do something (another long story...). I need to expect our teenage daughter to pull her weight (which, granted isn't much -- skinny little thing *grin*) around here before she gets to enjoy the reward. Most importantly, though, is that I need to take time for myself and not be so hard on myself when I fail. And I will fail. I'm still on this path. I still have plans and dreams and goals and I need to continue to strive to reach them.
I'm open to thoughts and suggestions.... Anyone?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Which Major Arcana Card Am I?
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Which Major Arcana Tarot Card Are You? created with QuizFarm.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| You scored as III - The Empress The Empress is a maternal symbol. She is the mother figure who loves, nurtures and protects.
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Sunday, June 1, 2008
Decision made
I've signed up for the Celtic Women's Spirituality course.
In case you were wondering! lol
In case you were wondering! lol
Monday, May 26, 2008
Narrowing it down
I have it down to three classes to take.
The first is "Celtic Women's Spirituality" This is the "next" part of the Celtic Wicca class I just completed.
Next is "Meet your Spirit Guides." I'm fascinated by the idea of Sprit Guides, so I think this would be very enlightening.
Finally is "Kitchen Witchery." This is part of the HOW of my witchcraft. I really enjoy the kitchen, so that's where I seem to put my energies. More so than in the garden, for example.
At least I've narrowed the playing field. I"m seriously thinking I could take two, but then I look at all the rest I have going on in my life and know I should only do one at a time. Ah well....
The first is "Celtic Women's Spirituality" This is the "next" part of the Celtic Wicca class I just completed.
Next is "Meet your Spirit Guides." I'm fascinated by the idea of Sprit Guides, so I think this would be very enlightening.
Finally is "Kitchen Witchery." This is part of the HOW of my witchcraft. I really enjoy the kitchen, so that's where I seem to put my energies. More so than in the garden, for example.
At least I've narrowed the playing field. I"m seriously thinking I could take two, but then I look at all the rest I have going on in my life and know I should only do one at a time. Ah well....
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Passed!
I have the certificate that I passed the Celtic Wicca 101 class. So now what should I take? I'm still no closer to a decision, but I'm ready to start SOMETHING....
Monday, May 19, 2008
Waiting
I'm waiting for Magic School to say "you've completed the course" since I've turned in the final essay for the Celtic Wicca class. I'm ready to sign up for another (this one was fun!) but I don't know in what. Aura Reading? Candle Magic? Celtic Women's Spirituality? Kitchen Witchery? Spirit Guides? Tarot? Runes?
So many choices.... I need to pray and meditate (a nicer way of saying "shut up and listen to the answers when you are done praying"). I seem to have no trouble praying. It's the meditating part that I find difficult.
So many choices.... I need to pray and meditate (a nicer way of saying "shut up and listen to the answers when you are done praying"). I seem to have no trouble praying. It's the meditating part that I find difficult.
Learning about myself
How many of you spend time learning about yourselves? How many do it on purpose?
I confess that I do not. I know me, right. Why do I (or should I) spend time learning what I already know?
Easy. Because I don't know me.
Or rather, sometimes I learn things about myself that (once revealed) come as a major shock.
I'm looking at the reading list I posted and I've noticed that I'm less stressed those months where I've read two or more books. It's not that I didn't have as much "stuff" happening, but I took time to make sure I relaxed. Obviously I need to do that to keep my sanity.
Interesting.
I confess that I do not. I know me, right. Why do I (or should I) spend time learning what I already know?
Easy. Because I don't know me.
Or rather, sometimes I learn things about myself that (once revealed) come as a major shock.
I'm looking at the reading list I posted and I've noticed that I'm less stressed those months where I've read two or more books. It's not that I didn't have as much "stuff" happening, but I took time to make sure I relaxed. Obviously I need to do that to keep my sanity.
Interesting.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Final Essay Question: Explain Celtic Wicca and its practices and how you plan to incorperate it into your own specailized path.
In it's most simplistic form, Celtic Wicca is nothing more than honoring the ancient Celtic Gods and Goddesses in whatever way you are most able and in every way you are able. Honor them with your creativity. Honor them with your studies. Honor them with your life.
Because so little is known about how the ancient Celts actually practiced, Celtic Wicca is very much open to interpretation. The way someone today honors the Bard in them, may be totally different (thanks to technology, for one!) then was practiced eons ago. The same can be said with someone who walks a Druid path. How that learned society functioned and the rules it followed have been lost to the annuals of time. There is no one right or wrong way to follow that path, because we no longer know how it was followed at the beginning.
Personally, I plan to honor the Celts as a Bard. My goal is to write a novel and I believe that by following this ancient path, the Divine Spirit of the Universe will smile upon me and help me complete it. I also will do some "Druid" things, like never stop learning and embrace the spiritual world. I plan to use the Celtic Cross as a means to call the Spirits of the Quarters, as well as to meditate.
The more I learn, the more drawn I am to Celtic traditions. At this time of my life, anyway, I believe that's where I'm called to worship, to study, and to learn.
Because so little is known about how the ancient Celts actually practiced, Celtic Wicca is very much open to interpretation. The way someone today honors the Bard in them, may be totally different (thanks to technology, for one!) then was practiced eons ago. The same can be said with someone who walks a Druid path. How that learned society functioned and the rules it followed have been lost to the annuals of time. There is no one right or wrong way to follow that path, because we no longer know how it was followed at the beginning.
Personally, I plan to honor the Celts as a Bard. My goal is to write a novel and I believe that by following this ancient path, the Divine Spirit of the Universe will smile upon me and help me complete it. I also will do some "Druid" things, like never stop learning and embrace the spiritual world. I plan to use the Celtic Cross as a means to call the Spirits of the Quarters, as well as to meditate.
The more I learn, the more drawn I am to Celtic traditions. At this time of my life, anyway, I believe that's where I'm called to worship, to study, and to learn.
Monday, May 12, 2008
What is the purpose of the Celtic Cross?
The Celtic Cross was designed to honor the "four and one." The four arms of the cross can represent directions, elements, and time -- or all of the above at the same time! The circle in the center represents the divine spirit, also called the fifth element.
How is the Celtic Cross considered a pagan or wiccan symbol?
When the four arms area equal, the Celtic Cross provides a method of entering the sacred circle. By entering the cross on the north arm, a person can walk the circle, pausing at each arm to thank the direction and deity associated with that arm. As mentioned in the class literature, it is really another expression of the sacred circle.
How can you encorperate its use in your own beliefs?
I use the cross in a number of ways. To me, it is a reminder that everything is connected -- the directions, time, the body, people, and the Gods and Goddesses. Using it as a constant reminder of the endless path of knowledge, I find it a beautiful and visual way to call the quarters for ritual.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Explain the Celtic view on life after death.
The Celts believe in rebirth, as opposed to reincarnation. Where reincarnation requires the soul to be reborn with a new personality being developed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reincarnation), rebirth does not. In rebirth the soul chooses whether or not to return to Earth or move on to one of the three realms of the Otherworld.
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