Druidism, Wiccan, and More Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times by Psychic Mikey

It is encouraging to see the rise of witchcraft practitioners and nature-based spiritual traditions in modern times. This ancient wisdom provides a unique and meaningful connection to the natural world and offers a powerful way to explore our relationship with the environment. Such traditions have been practiced for centuries and are now being embraced by many people seeking a deeper connection to the Earth, the Universe, God or "gods/goddesses" or Energy. It is wonderful to witness the resurgence of these ancient spiritual practices, and to see how they can bring a sense of peace and harmony to our lives.

Witchcraft is an ancient practice that involves the use of rituals, spells, and other magical techniques to bring about desired outcomes. It is often associated with the worship of deities, but it can also be used to bring about healing, protection, and other positive results. Nature-based spiritual traditions, on the other hand, focus on the connection between humans and the natural world. These traditions often involve rituals and ceremonies that honor the Earth and its elements. It can also be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation. It can help one find their true path in life and to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Witchcraft can also be used to create a connection with the divine and to explore the mysteries of the universe. It is an ever-evolving practice that can be adapted to fit the needs of the individual practitioner. Even those who practice the darker side of Witchcraft all follow the same core belief; you have to understand and honor both sides of the same coin. Winter and Summer, Light and Dark, Love and Hate. It's about balance or creating a balance or taking charge of your own reality, knowing that the surrounding energy (of all things) is hearing you, listening to you, and responding to you. 

Druidism

Druidism is one of the oldest spiritual paths still in existence today. It is a path of nature-based spirituality, which has been practiced in Britain and Ireland since ancient times. While the exact origin of Druidism is unknown, it is believed to have been practiced by the Celts and other pre-Christian cultures. This belief is still practiced by many people around the world. The core of Druidism is the belief that all living things are connected and that we should respect and honor the Earth. Druids also believe that we should take care of the environment and live in harmony with nature. It encourages us to be mindful of our actions and to live in harmony with everything around us. This is a special spiritual path that can help us to reconnect with the natural world, and to live in balance with the Earth. 

By understanding and respecting the natural environment, we can ensure that we are using the resources in a way that does not damage the environment or deplete them too quickly. Additionally, living in harmony with nature and energy can help us to reduce our carbon footprint and to make more efficient use of the energy sources available to us. You can start small, turning off a faucet, shutting your lights off, closing your doors so the air or heat can't escape... things we have all been told before. It also means, if you are a meat eater, honoring and respecting that an animal gave their life for you to sustain yours. Finding a spider in your house and instead of killing it right away, you take it outside. Planting flowers or herbs that bees enjoy, instead of throwing out eggshells, rinse them out and use them for fertilizer. There are many things you can do to honor your connection to the Earth, the universe and so on. Learn more and discover your Druid Tree Sign here. 

It is wonderful to see these ancient practices being embraced in modern times. They offer a unique perspective on the world and a way to connect with the natural environment. They can also provide a sense of peace and belonging, as well as a sense of empowerment. With the rise of these practices, we can look forward to a future that is more connected to the natural world and its wisdom. It will help us to recognize and appreciate the beauty of life and all that it has to offer. It is essential to take time to appreciate the moments, people, and experiences that make our lives meaningful.

Regardless of your belief practices, living and honoring those around you is an important part of life. Even those belief systems that focus on honoring and respectful of yourself and your own anonymity (The Satanic Temple), honoring and respecting your ancestors (Hoodoo, Voodoo) respecting and honoring specific deities or Saints (Christian, Santeria); a simple core belief is shared all among them, and so much more. It's this: "Respect what you know, Honor what you don't." 

When it comes to the Wiccan faith, a big source of confusion that I've personally seen lately is that when someone says they are a "Witch" others feel it is the same as saying they are a Wiccan. Wicca or being Wiccan is religion. Being Wiccan does make you a "Witch" however, being a "Witch" does NOT make you Wiccan. You can be a practicing "Witch" in a variety of other belief systems, such as the ones I mentioned above.

The Witch's 'Wheel of the Year' comes into play here. For a while, the general populous thought that the holidays that were and are still celebrated by those who are "Witches" were Wiccan Holidays only. While that may be somewhat true, it's also not true. Let me explain.

Four Important Wiccan and Pagan Holidays

Samhain

Samhain is celebrated on October 31st and marks the beginning of the Wiccan New Year. It is a time to honor the dead and to remember our ancestors, by leaving a space for them, or inviting them, at our dinner table in the way of a "Dumb Supper" (you have dinner in reverse; starting with Dessert), and lighting candles in windows or on our front porch for our ancestors to visit us. Samhain is also a time to give thanks for the harvest and to celebrate the coming of winter.

Traditionally, Samhain is celebrated by lighting bonfires, carving pumpkins, and decorating with fall foliage. It's known as the day of the "Thinnest veil" where it is easier for those who have passed on to make the journey back to us. As a side note: the holiday name is pronounced as "SOW-IN" not "SAM-HEY-N". The way it became a holiday with masks and candy? Masks were worn to confuse the malignant spirits who spent their night trying to fight their way back to our side of the veil. The candy was originally leaving food outside to keep the walking spirits and deter them from entering a home uninvited. 

Imbolc

Imbolc is celebrated on February 1st and is a celebration of the coming of spring. It is a time to give thanks for the new life that is beginning and to honor the divine; in any way you deem fit.

Beltane

Beltane is celebrated on May 1st and marks the beginning of summer. It is a time to honor the fertility of the land and to give thanks for the abundance of the season. Beltane is celebrated by dancing around the maypole, decorating with flowers, and feasting on seasonal foods. For the more exotic practitioners it also includes wines, string instrument music, as well as physical intimacy between partners of some kind. 

Lammas

Lammas, sometimes called Lughnasadh, is celebrated on August 1rst and marks the first grain harvest of the year. It is a time to be aware of the winter to come and celebrate what we have harvested in our lives so far. It is also a time to honor the cycle of slowing down and rest in nature and in ourselves. 

Celebrating these holidays helps us to stay connected to our spiritual roots and to the cycles of nature, but you do not have to be Wiccan to partake in them. You don't even have to be a witch of any kind. You will never be turned away from a Pagan celebration if you are respectful and curious.

Summer and Winter Solstices

While the four holidays above have been deemed "Most Important" they are not the "Most Celebrated." That title would go to the Solstices, both the Summer Solstice and the Winter Solstice. It's not a surprise that the Christian Calendar chose December 25th as one of their most sacred holidays. Saturnalia is an Ancient Pagan holiday that was and is celebrated from December 17th to the 23rd. It was to honor and worship the Roman God Saturn. In Ancient Rome, gifts would be exchanged between friends and family, feasts were planned, as well as general merriment. Which also included lots of drinking and physical intimacy as well.

Saturnalia was such an important holiday in Rome that even the slaves that they had were given time off as well. Evergreen trees were brought into the homes, evergreen wreaths were hung on doors, and colorful clothes were worn to celebrate the long rest that Winter brings. Most of the holidays that we celebrate today have very deep seeded Pagan roots; where balance was celebrated, our ancestors were remembered, deities were worshiped as well as nature and the elements. 

In all walks on the Spiritual Path, whether you're a beginner or the Hierophant or a Crone, you never stop learning, you never stop expanding your mind, and you never stop respecting what and who came before you. The resurgence in these spiritual practices, and those who are vehemently against them, is proof that the Universe is letting us all know it's listening to us, and that we have forgotten where we've come from. If you're not ready to take on a new path, that's perfectly fine as well. If you're not comfortable picking up a spider and moving it outside, that's fine too.

But don't forget the golden rule, when it comes to energy, religion, and other people around you, "Treat others how you want to be treated." 

Say Please and Thank You. 

Hold doors open for others. 

Greet everyone you meet with a smile. 

Stop and smell the roses.

Watch a pretty sunset or sunrise. 

That is the crux of what ancient beliefs have taught us, respect those around you and you will be respected in return.