The Gods

 When it comes to the subject of the divine existence of the Gods, many questions arise as to their true nature. The Deities within ADF are also known as the Shining One's, though there is some overlap of resemblance between the Gods and of those who reside within the most powerful realms of Sídhe. Indeed, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two, as our firsthand experience of both is limited, resulting in strict definitions being blurred.
  The Deities however, embody vaster, eternally cyclic and mythologically associated Personalities, which exist within a metaphorical "higher state" than that of other spiritual emanations.
  The Gods have an unlimited overview of all natural systems, the implications which even the smallest changes can evince worldwide and they can, through ritual, become connected to our own role within the evolution of that structural arrangement.
  I cannot help but feel that a diversification of Gods, each one distinct in their attributes and associations, is a more highly "evolved" theology, than is minimalistic monotheism. Polytheism- the belief in many gods, and animism- the belief that divinity inhabits all parts of the Earth is a truer reflection of the world in which we live; filled with multiform-ity and endless variance. It is in diversity that our planet maintains its' health and well-being. Embracing this as a spiritual observance within our own lives is, as I see it, of eminently greater benefit for ourselves and society, than is the "one God fit's all" template. At a personal level, I feel that monotheism is truly dis-empowering of our own connectedness and strength.
  Yet, the world has seen this very thing come to pass, with the memory of the old Gods brought nearly to oblivion. We were spared at the last moment, it seems; the old Gods, the Ancient Ones are coming back, and we for them.
  In looking for the Gods, we must first open our minds to the very possibility of their existence and our hearts to the embracing of that perception. Anyone who has directly experienced the presence of the divine ones, will tell you they have no more need of faith- the Gods are real. They have a living spirit and force about them, far above any that an "archetypal" model would suggest.
It is up to each individual to seek out the Divine form with which they have the most affinity. In some cases, it will be during a time of suffering, a "dark night of the soul" as St. John of the Cross expressed, when we will make the emotional and spiritual breakthrough into understanding of the Gods presence in our lives. Making that connection may well be the most profoundly life-altering moment of our existence.
  I see the gods as primordial in nature, yet evolving along with all else; not as static, atavistic beings. As we grow in understanding, so they also will grow in their concern for our potential.

The "Two Powers" in Meditative Practice

  One of the most valuable methods of obtaining and preserving contact with the inner realms, is through the regular practice of meditation, including grounding, centering and the "running of energy."
  In whatever way we choose to practice these; long-lasting benefits, far out of proportion to the actual time spent in participation, are the result. Having myself, meditated for several decades in one religious form or another, I know from first-hand experience the tremendous value which can be obtained through these disciplines. The levels of enlightened advancement to be gained are many indeed, from the solving of everyday, mundane concerns, to the resolution of crisis or conflict, attunement with the Land and Spirits wherever we reside and the blessings of interaction with the Deities, the Sidhe and the Mighty Dead, themselves.
  Throughout my life as a Druidic Pagan however, one form of meditation has given me more benifit than all others; that known as the "Two Powers" performed within ADF. It is a well thought-out, theologically and metaphysically excellent practice, which performed correctly and imaginatively, should help us tap into Earth-ly and Cosmic sources, without energetically lessening the amount or quality of either. As a personal aside, I feel it hugely important not to selfishly drain the resources of the spiritual realms, for our own supposed improvement or gain. I liken this to "astral strip-mining" or, theft, which has no place within an evolved, educated and sensitive approach to Nature spirituality. For example, by 'casting' our problems or illnesses into a visualized astral stream in order to remove their negative influence, we should consider the resulting pollution caused. Instead, as we release their substance, "alchemically" transform these detrimental energies into images of beauty and good-health. Because as humans, we are not helpless; we do have power within those dimensions and are quite able to effect them, as much as we are affected by them, in turn.
  In my personal practice, my greatest issue of difficulty is in finding privacy; uninterrupted by telephones, active and noisy neighbors or nearby vehicles. By turning off the ringer temporarily and using ambient music as a buffer, most designated times of meditation can be successfully engaged in or, at the very least salvaged from complete un-doing.
  Regularity of practice can also be a problem, though I am exceedingly fortunate to have off-work days during the week- the quietest time when living in a busy apartment complex. I've also found that maintaining my home shrine well; keeping the entire area free of clutter and with adequate space available, is a huge incentive towards frequent meditation. Because of my deep affinity to the growing wild, I find that having live, Green-World Allies nearby, aids my ability to focus on the central, axis-mundi, which every plant embodies.
  But with persistence, I've found that all obstacles can be overcome, through ingenuity and effort. By re-training the "butterfly-mind", I'm increasingly able to narrow first, my intent (to meditate) then, with relaxed breathing, be present in the space and moment and then finally, to allow myself to turn within while visualized scenes and events are brought into play. As each element unfolds, I allow myself to give it time to build and become real to my inner senses. By feeling the roots as they connect to Earth and spread downward through the moist, crumbling soil and then to hear the trickling, pure water as it's brought up to fill each cauldron, in turn; the meditative effects are heightened. When the astral light is then, reflected onto the rippling waters, penetrating and glowing below the surface; these visions are beautiful to create and hold, making meditation a joy, rather than a chore.
  Care is always given in the return journey, to reverse the procedure in its proper order and to close down the centers, not completely, but with enough energy retained to carry me through till the next session.
  When meditation is completed, I record the date and experience, with any special insights gained in a journal which I keep nearby. This helps ensure that during times of heavy work loads, or rushed personal matters, meditation is still maintained on a regular basis without too much time allowed to pass between sessions- usually two, to three times per week.
  I find this particular form of meditation, the "Two Powers", to be an essential and vital method of advancement toward the integration of my spiritual and mundane life; enhancing my home, business, social enjoyment and experiences.

The Kindred Three- Essays on the Nature of Divinity

 
            The Kindred Three:      The Gods- the "Shining One's",
                                                      Spirits of Nature and the Sidhe,
                                                      and the Blessed Ancestor's; our Mighty Dead.

          "The Gods"

     " God of the Druids, my God above all others..."    ~ Mog Roith, at the Siege of Druim Damhgaire.

   When it comes to the subject of the divine existence of the Gods, many questions arise as to their true nature. The Deities within ADF are also known as the Shining One's, though there is some overlap of resemblance between the Gods and of those who reside within the most powerful realms of Sídhe. Indeed, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two, as our firsthand experience of both is limited, resulting in the blurring of strict definitions.
  The Deities however, embody vaster, eternally cyclic and mythologically associated Personalities, which exist within a metaphorical "higher state" than that of other spiritual emanations.
  The Gods have an unlimited overview of all natural systems, the implications which even the smallest changes can evince worldwide and they can, through ritual, become connected to our own role within the evolution of that structural arrangement.
   I cannot help but feel that a diversification of Gods, each one distinct in their attributes and associations, is a more highly advanced theology, than is minimalistic monotheism. Polytheism- the belief in many gods, and animism- the belief that divinity inhabits all parts of the Earth is a truer reflection of the world in which we live; filled with multiform-ity and endless variance. It is in diversity that our planet maintains its' health and well-being. Embracing this as a spiritual observance within our own lives is, as I see it, of eminently greater benefit for ourselves and society, than is the "one God fit's all" template. At a personal level, I feel that monotheism is truly dis-empowering of our own connectedness and strength.
  Yet, the world has seen this very thing come to pass, with the memory of the old Gods brought nearly to oblivion. We were spared at the last moment, it seems; the old Gods, the Ancient Ones are coming back, and we for them.
  In looking for the Gods, we must first open our minds to the very possibility of their existence and our hearts to the embracing of that perception. Anyone who has directly experienced the presence of the divine ones, will tell you they have no more need of faith- the Gods are real. They have a living spirit and force about them, far above any that an "archetypal" model would suggest.
   It is up to each individual to seek out the Divine form with which they have the most affinity. In some cases, it will be during a time of suffering, a "dark night of the soul" as St. John of the Cross expressed, when we will make the emotional and spiritual breakthrough into understanding of the Gods presence in our lives. Making that connection may well be the most profoundly life-altering moment of our existence.
  I see the gods as primordial in nature, yet evolving along with all else; not as static, atavistic beings. As we grow in understanding, so they also will grow in their concern for our potential.

~~~~~~~

          "The Spirits of Nature"

   For a long time the Fair Folk have been admittedly, on the periphery of my life. Their presence seemed to slip past with a shimmer on occasion, yet not making the connection in me that it should have. I've known they exist, but until the writing of this, had never sought to understand why they should be so much more important to my daily round. But after a great many hours and days of thought provoking meditation and research, I feel able to provide some meaningful conjecture on this issue. It is my own opinion concerning the Sídhe and Nature Spirit's in general, that they are truly inter-dimensional Beings; part of a shifting reality which has lately been validated through quantum mechanics in the recognition of the "Multiverse". These exquisite and closely aligned dimensions are much like our own, but not usually visible, perhaps due to our own emotional pre-programming, bio-chemistry and also in the very will of the Fairy themselves. If they don't wish to be seen, then they will not.
     "We behold, and are not beheld"  ~ Midir, in the 'Torchmarc Etain'.

They are witness to our own comings and goings, and to all the massive changes that modernity has wrought. It seems little wonder that they have distanced Themselves from us, as we place more and more obstacles and objects between us and They. Industrialization was the apparent "tipping point" and materialization has cut us off from the bedrock of our nature.
  Developing our intuition is the best, perhaps only way to truly reach Them, but even then due to their nature, it should be attempted only with the best intentions and good cause. Just as with any mortal neighbor, curious interference without genuine goodwill or purpose will hopefully, get only the door in our face.
  The Fairy world may appear to us as a reflected version of our own yet,  it's just as likely that humanity modeled itself on the Sidhe, instead. The "Gentry" were undoubtedly here first, as many early folk legends faithfully attest and so the question remains- could humans have evolved in response to Their Otherworld example? All of the civilizing characteristics of idealized humanity, from sacred and royal nobility, to homespun pastoral honesty may well have been learned and inherited from Their instruction and precedent, first.
  I think that Nature Spirits in particular, are more or less attached to specific places in the mid-realms, eg. tree, river, sea or sky and are perhaps the embodied Spirits of those things. They appear sometimes in human or animal form, maybe in response to our own presence and interaction.
  The Sidhe however, are in my opinion of an increasingly finer, more ethereal nature and are able to manipulate appearance and abilities to an even greater extent. They all, irregardless belong to a distinct tribe of Beings, found throughout the world in close, yet usually indiscernible, proximity to our own. They have particular hereditary and cultural differences, but should all be approached with the utmost respect and hospitable sensitivity. For this is I feel, the very seed and root of all pertaining to the Fairy Faith; hospitality rightly engaged, creates proper relationships- a gift from the Sidhe, to us.
  Wherever the breath of wind is felt upon our cheek; there is the inspiration of the Fair Folk.
  Where the sound of water rippling past is heard; Their influence, is at hand.
They are the best friends of poet's, musicians and dreamers, alike.

~~~~~~~

          "The Ancestors"

  Of the three Kindred, these are perhaps the easiest and yet most difficult for me to examine. Easiest, because after forty-plus years of inquiry and research into my families genealogy, I was able to finally reach valid conclusions and begin the next phase of relationship with these amazing, "found" Ancestors. But difficult, since I'm painfully aware and understand that nowadays, very many who seek desperately for this type of information, may well have no success in doing so. However, when we discuss the concept of the Ancestors within ADF, we're not especially referring to those of genetic blood-descent, but more particularly to those greater Elder to whom we have close spiritual affinity. These are the teachers, the leaders, the faithful; those whose everyday good example and influence within Pagandom have become our religious role-models. By their passage into the Otherworld, they are able to assist us in greater degree from those realms. Archaeological and anthropologic research has shown that since at least classical times, Ancestors- receding further away in temporal proximity, were seen as more effectual and were felt to significantly improve in their intercessory abilities. Many times, they were elevated to near God/ess-like status, perhaps through increasing association with powerful Otherwordly forces. It seems probable to me at least, that re-awakening our devotion to these Kin by memorial and sacrifice, could greatly enhance our day-to-day lives. Who but they, would better know our experience of human trial and misfortune and care more to aid us, than those who have been here before?
  As for how we interact (if at all) with those Ancestors tied to us through genetic relationships, many differing and sometimes argumentative viewpoints can be found on the subject. Immigration and societal change has caused, perhaps for the majority of us, a loss of contact and memory of those who have paved our way into the present. Sometimes the threads of transmission are simply too broken or frayed, to be able to genealogically identify these people; retrieving names and particulars is just not possible, anymore.  Although one can and perhaps, should make at least an attempt to do so, I feel it far more important to simply remember that they are still there, waiting to be thought of, maybe with a kind thought or a pinch of incense, and thence begin and strengthen the bond we can potentially have with them.
  Within the Celtic system, our beloved dead proceed to a place of beauty and peace,
Tir na mBéo- "The Land of the Living". It is from there that we can call to, honor and request intercession from our blessed departed, those of affinity and of blood; our everlasting Mighty Dead.
    To quote Sir Isaac Newton: "If I have seen farther it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants." But rather I would say, that the giants are our Blessed Ancestors, giving us life and wisdom, and leading our way.
                     

At One With the Gods-ADF Home Shrine

The Fire~  central oil lamp and incense burners
The Well~ large seashell; alternating with gypsy-pot cauldron
The Tree~ Red Cedar walking staff