The Nine Strands

The Druids of the past were the intellectual cast of Celtic society.  They were the wisdom keepers, the historians, the judges, the teachers, the poets and musicians, the astronomers, the political advisors and were those who led the religious observances. Much of who the Druids were has been lost to us as they chose not to record anything in writing.

Today, those roles still exist, of course, but they are not filled by those who are committed to preserving the Earth and all her living creatures.  Some are elected roles. Many of these roles and those who fill them come, from all walks of society.  Education is readily available and as a result people fill these roles who do not come with spiritual foundations.

Those who walk the Druid path can hope to emulate many of these roles.  Druids can be wisdom keepers, the historians of their ancient Celtic society.  He can be the teachers of the Druidic beliefs and practices that we know of.  They can be poets and musicians and certainly those who lead religious observances.  If fact can fill any roles but all would have a spiritual foundation of revering the earth and all who live upon her.

How I can incorporate this role into my life …

Tribal – I feel it is my obligation to learn not only the history of the Celtic people but also their mythology and their stories. From early childhood I have felt this connection in my soul.

Art – While really have no talent in painting I only do art for fun.  I love to write poetry, have published a few books and have written articles not only for my own blog but have also been a guest writer for others. I have recently discovered suno.com and have been thrilled to hear my poetry set to music there. I am currently writing about the trees associated with the Ogham and setting them to song.

Healing – I have been a spiritual mentor now for about 40 years and before that a mentor in the business world before I retired. It is my hope that in that mentorship I am helping the women I work with to heal.  I have learned several healing arts but they are not something I am called upon to use often.

Metaphysical – I learned to question the nature of reality sitting in my grandfather’s lap as he taught me not only be amazed at the wonder of the mysteries of life, but also how things are put together.  That is, he taught me about atoms, molecules, neurons and protons and what everything is made of.  He told me about the “big bang” and the scientific origins of the universe. I seriously doubt that I understood most of it, but he planted the seeds of wonder in my mind. As a result, since early childhood the combination of science, metaphysics and spirituality have been my deepest interest.

Seership – Here is a weak spot for me.  I am not very good at reading cards or any other divination tools.  I do best with runes and Ogham few.  I am kinesthetic. I feel energies and have deep knowings when necessary.  I have learned a lot with trance journeys.  I don’t see or hear things but often come back knowing what I sought.

Ritual – Ritual has been a passion for me.  I started creating ritual for others in 1989, first for the public through my store, then for my students in my Faerie Tradition. It has been about 5 years since I did any public ritual other than occasionally on Zoom.

Natural Philosophy – My early childhood was spent in the foothills of the mountains as well as on the coast of Southern California. I explored the flora and fauna of both, fascinated by the creatures of the earth and sea. I have always felt connected to trees, plant life and animals.  I am physically no longer able to get out in the wildness of nature and mostly sit in my side yard observing the birds and squirrels and occasionally opossum.  I take care of the feral cats that live in my apartment complex. I am currently creating a plan to visit a few nature places in my city and hope it will be possible. I want to take my journal to these parks and draw what I see.

Teaching – I think I just do this as a natural thing.  Even in everyday conversations I share a lot with others. When I was working, I was the one who taught everyone on my teams to use the computers and the software they needed to use in their work. As a priestess I have taught my students and given workshops for 40 years.

Service – I have felt called to service for a very long time. I have trained other priestesses in this service, helping to guide their way as they too have been called to serve.  For a long time, this work was in person but since 2002 I have offered it online. I serve as the chaplain here in the community where I live, an apartment complex for seniors and those who are disabled who have with few financial resources.  I have attempted to organize and offer activities for them.

I am here now, in the program of study, hoping to learn more about Druidism and how to better walk this path.