What inner promptings or outer circumstances guide us along the path of ancestral connection? In my own case as a life-long animist, at times I had felt drawn to practices in the New Age world, due to the plethora of books and products in metaphysical bookstores and fairs, and also for the social life and connection offered by local community. For many years I was non-judgmental on the more bizarre manifestations in modern spirituality going on around me, i.e. cult-like hierarchies, the guru complex, "ascension," fake shamans and healing circles led by abusive and harmful people. But eventually it dawned on me that the New Age practice of constantly picking up new books and modalities was not sustainable, and was deeply hypocritical by being connected to the consumer shopping addiction.
When the absurdities, contradictions and outright lies in my local New Age community finally became clear to me, I had to turn my back forever. And at the exact same moment in time the beauty and wonder of my own roots, and the hard work of the Celtic Reconstructionists before me, came quickly into view. Why hadn't I seen it before? Beguiled by the "next shiny thing" and the aggressive marketing of quick fixes, finding that my own heritage was the "soft landing place" and source of connection I was seeking, was deeply and truly empowering. Here is a poem that I wrote from that time:
When the absurdities, contradictions and outright lies in my local New Age community finally became clear to me, I had to turn my back forever. And at the exact same moment in time the beauty and wonder of my own roots, and the hard work of the Celtic Reconstructionists before me, came quickly into view. Why hadn't I seen it before? Beguiled by the "next shiny thing" and the aggressive marketing of quick fixes, finding that my own heritage was the "soft landing place" and source of connection I was seeking, was deeply and truly empowering. Here is a poem that I wrote from that time:
“I leave behind the person I once was, who cared so deeply for so many
wonderful people, places and things, finding it was all dust.
Then, moving down the trail I am met by everyday magic,
as I stir my solitary dust into the sacred cauldron we call life.
Newly awakened, or waeccan, to my Celtic roots,
kissed by the sun and blessed by the moon,
I am infused with an inexplicable desire to SPEAK OUT
~ on behalf of our Mother the Earth,
and all those who would live in harmony with Her.”
wonderful people, places and things, finding it was all dust.
Then, moving down the trail I am met by everyday magic,
as I stir my solitary dust into the sacred cauldron we call life.
Newly awakened, or waeccan, to my Celtic roots,
kissed by the sun and blessed by the moon,
I am infused with an inexplicable desire to SPEAK OUT
~ on behalf of our Mother the Earth,
and all those who would live in harmony with Her.”
A deep love for our Sacred Earth is contiguous with Druidry and Celtic Spirituality - no wonder that my heritage brings me such joy! What have been your own experiences of disillusionment with the world of New Age Spirituality? And what has prompted your own return to your Ancestors? I would love to hear your stories!
BACKSTORY
My own spiritual journey was deeply informed by Indigenous Knowledge, and this process is fully described in Chapter 2 "I Am Interloper" in Ancient Spirit Rising: Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community.
WAECCAN
“Waeccan” or “to be awake” in Old English simply means to be in tune with the presence of the mystery in nature, and I use it to align with my earth-wise Ancestors. When we are waeccan, our heart, mind and soul are open to the beauty in ourselves and all of creation. The term “waeccan” may be the root for “wicca” or “witch,” but I do not practice wicca or witchcraft. Drifting far from respectable roots in Old English and Germanic paganism, the etymology of “wicca,” “wiccan” and “witch” became progressively dire as a result of Christian oppression. Today, the brave tradition established by feminist foremothers Starhawk, Z Budapest and others to reclaim and embody the term “witch” as a valid, empowering and positive contemporary identity is admirable, and many have been able to disconnect the identity markers “wicca,” “wiccan” and “witch” from their negative associations.
FEMINIST GODDESS SPIRITUALITY
Many aspects of Feminist Goddess Spirituality have been entwined with New Age, but I continue to embrace Matriarchal Studies as a deeply honorable direction for cultural transformation.
RESOURCES
A curated collection of resources for those awakening to their Celtic Heritage can be found here: www.stonecirclepress.com/celtic-reconstruction.html
BACKSTORY
My own spiritual journey was deeply informed by Indigenous Knowledge, and this process is fully described in Chapter 2 "I Am Interloper" in Ancient Spirit Rising: Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community.
WAECCAN
“Waeccan” or “to be awake” in Old English simply means to be in tune with the presence of the mystery in nature, and I use it to align with my earth-wise Ancestors. When we are waeccan, our heart, mind and soul are open to the beauty in ourselves and all of creation. The term “waeccan” may be the root for “wicca” or “witch,” but I do not practice wicca or witchcraft. Drifting far from respectable roots in Old English and Germanic paganism, the etymology of “wicca,” “wiccan” and “witch” became progressively dire as a result of Christian oppression. Today, the brave tradition established by feminist foremothers Starhawk, Z Budapest and others to reclaim and embody the term “witch” as a valid, empowering and positive contemporary identity is admirable, and many have been able to disconnect the identity markers “wicca,” “wiccan” and “witch” from their negative associations.
FEMINIST GODDESS SPIRITUALITY
Many aspects of Feminist Goddess Spirituality have been entwined with New Age, but I continue to embrace Matriarchal Studies as a deeply honorable direction for cultural transformation.
RESOURCES
A curated collection of resources for those awakening to their Celtic Heritage can be found here: www.stonecirclepress.com/celtic-reconstruction.html
Pegi Eyers is the author of Ancient Spirit Rising: Reclaiming Your Roots & Restoring Earth Community, an award-winning book that explores strategies for intercultural competency, healing our relationships with Turtle Island First Nations, decolonization, recovering an ecocentric worldview, rewilding, creating a sustainable future and reclaiming peaceful co-existence in Earth Community.
