Today’s post comes from a special guest, Theresa Jensen. I met Theresa in 2004, at a faerie workshop in a beautiful redwood forest near Ben Lomond, California. She’s one of those quiet, centred people who’s inner peacefulness is inspiring to those around her. She’s been a practicing Druid for nine years and is a member of the Diore Brighid Seed Group near Oakland, California. She’s also a member of OBOD and the British Druid Order. She’s been married for 38 years and has 4 children and 8 grandchildren. And if that’s not enough, her hobbies are making stained glass, music and, of course, reading!
Recently, I listened to a lecture on Plato, where it was discussed that Plato introduced the term “psyche” which means “soul.” Plato said that the human soul is separate from the body and that the soul would prefer not to be bound to it.
I totally get that.
I found Plato’s concept of the soul interesting for a couple of reasons.
Everything alive has a soul. In my mind, it follows that trees, grass, cows, chickens, anything that is alive is inhabited by a psyche, or soul. Of course, Plato was not concerned with non-human issues that I know of. I’m sure that somewhere during Plato’s time on Mother Earth there were Druid-like persons – Ageless Druids – that were very much concerned with, and communed with, non-human souls.
As modern Druids, we strive for Awen, that state of being that causes our soul to achieve its fullest, happiest form. Our aim is to honor the living beings inhabiting Mother Earth along side us. In doing this, we are unconsciously striving to bring happiness to them. How much better can that be?
I’m not into philosophy, but this little bit of information validated my chosen path - Druidry, or if you prefer, Druidcraft.
Why am I a Druid?
I feel the wind as it blows across my face. The air caresses me like a gentle lover. I am inspired to be giving and creative. I honor the Air.
As I shower, the water cleanses me, encompassing me with warm emotion and gratitude for its life-giving sustenance. I honor the Water.
I face the warmth of the sun, pure energy warming me. Cooking on a fire, appreciating that without flame many trees would die, many people would freeze. Fire is indeed life-giving. I honor the Fire.
Walking barefoot in the dirt, I imagine myself attached like a root, feeling the earth's energy feel me. All things come from our mother, without exception. I honor the Earth.
Druidry is something that defines me.
A few years ago, my granddaughter asked me what was the point of believing as I do. The answer - I would be lying to myself if I denied it. I have to be a part of the ritual - that exercise that allows us to officially recognize our mother, to honor her through the various gods and goddesses that are a part of her.
It's not always easy, but it’s worth it. When life gets in the way, and you're loaded with the daily drama of making it in the world, it's convenient to ignore the care and feeding of your soul. On the other hand, when I meet with my seed group – my druid family – I feel amazingly better, more energized.
So what’s the bottom line? Attending the lecture about Plato opened up a new channel of thinking and considering for me. You might even say, it brought a new muse into my life.