Ritual, Seasons, and the Art of Presence: Notes on Reclaiming Natural Time

My Notes Series: Ritual, Seasons, and the Art of Presence: Notes on Reclaiming Natural Time

Seasonal cycles and rituals provide a structured foundation for practice by transforming abstract beliefs into a lived, daily experience. They serve as a bridge to reconnect humanity with the natural world, fostering a relationship that is respectful, honest, and responsible.

Seasonal cycles and rituals provide this foundation through the following ways:

1. Restoring Natural Rhythm and Connection

Druidry posits that modern life in the industrial and technological ages caused humanity to lose contact with the "heartbeat of Nature"—the seasons.

• The Wheel of the Year: By celebrating eight festivals (such as Alban Elfed/Autumn Equinox and Samhain), practitioners re-align themselves with the ever-flowing tide of the seasons. These festivals mirror the cycle of birth, growth, death, and rebirth, providing a constant reminder that death is merely a preparation for new life.

• Lunar Cycles: The Perennial Course in Living Druidry (Emma Restall Orr - "What Is Druidry?" PDF) structured around 12 units based on lunar cycles (New Moon to New Moon). This framework encourages a daily awareness of natural influences, helping to maintain spiritual commitment despite the distractions of modern life.

2. Providing a Framework for Wakefulness

The sources describe seasonal practice as a way to develop "wakefulness" in every decision.

• Monthly Explorations: Each moontide focuses on specific themes—such as "Perception," "Environment," or "Humanity"—that correlate with the current state of the land. For example, during the "Green Still Moon" (August–September), the focus is on "Touch" and the "Inertia" of heavy growth, while the "Blood Berry Moon" (September–October) focuses on "Taste," "Smell," and the "Direction" of one's life.

• Observation as Teaching: Instead of providing a rigid set of facts, these cycles point toward nature as the true teacher. By observing the local landscape—noting which birds are migrating or which trees are dropping leaves—practitioners move from "mundane" existence into a "World of Wonder".

3. Ritual as Expression and Spiritual Bond

Ritual is defined as the verbal and mental expression of a Druid’s belief.

• Connecting with Spirit: Ritual facilitates a bond with the Elements (Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Nwyfre) and the World of Spirit. It is the primary tool for channelling peace and seeking the Awen (spiritual inspiration).

• Sacred Space and Focus: Whether through formal Grove gatherings or simple solo meditations, rituals provide the focus and regularity needed to maintain a spiritual path. They allow practitioners to welcome Spirits of Place, Ancestors, and Deities into their lives, restoring an essential link that Druidry seeks to reclaim.

4. Ethical and Personal Refinement

Rituals and seasonal reflections are used to hone a practitioner’s character and ethics.

• The Concept of Honor: Living Druidry involves walking our talk by adjusting habits as one learns deeper connection. Rituals often incorporate ethical considerations, such as the Druid Vow to stand for peace and love.

• Assessing Essential Essence: Through the deepening focus provided by animistic practice, Druids learn to assess the spirit of things to ensure they are reacting and pro-acting to the world properly and proportionately.

5. Marking Life's Journey

Seasonal practice extends beyond the Earth's cycles to include the human life cycle through Rites of Passage. Rituals for Naming (birth), Handfasting (marriage), and Passing Over (death) provide a spiritual foundation for major life milestones, celebrating the individual's journey as one strand woven into the larger Earth Community.

This Is Not Protection. This Is Domination.

When armed authority hunts the people, the land is wounded.
When agents of the state spill blood, they break the sacred law of balance.

This is not protection.
This is domination.

All life is bound to the Earth.
Those who rule through fear sever themselves from it.
There will be no harmony until truth is faced, violence ends,
and power is made accountable to the living community it claims to serve. 🌿

Simple Tarot: The Hierophant

The Hierophant represents tradition, shared beliefs, and learning from established systems. It’s about guidance, structure, and finding meaning through what has been passed down.

Key Themes

• Tradition

• Shared beliefs

• Teaching and learning

• Structure

• Moral guidance

Upright, The Hierophant points to tradition, education, and community values. This card often shows up when you’re learning from a teacher, following a proven path, or engaging with institutions like schools, religions, or cultural norms.

It can also suggest seeking wisdom outside yourself rather than reinventing everything alone.

When reversed or blocked, The Hierophant can signal questioning traditions, rejecting authority, or feeling constrained by rules that no longer fit. It may point to the need to find your own belief system rather than accepting one by default

Everyday Interpretation

In daily life, The Hierophant might show up as enrolling in a class, seeking advice from a trusted authority, following workplace protocols, or participating in a community tradition. It can also appear when you’re weighing whether to follow expectations—or gently challenge them.

In relationships, it can point to commitment, shared values, or traditional milestones 

Questions to Ask Yourself

• What beliefs or traditions am I currently following?

• Do these rules still support who I am today?

• Where could guidance or mentorship help me right now?

• Am I conforming out of fear, or choosing structure intentionally?

• What wisdom from the past is still valuable to me?

• Where might I benefit from questioning the “way it’s always been done”?

References

• The Rider–Waite Tarot — traditional imagery and symbolism

• Pollack, Rachel. 78 Degrees of Wisdom

• Bunning, Joan. Learning the Tarot

• Biddy Tarot — general tarot meanings

• Labyrinthos Academy — tarot card interpretations

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My Notes: Animism - Assessing The Spirit Of Modern Technologies

I've recently started taking a few courses on Druidry and I thought I would start posting my notes on the blog. In my study of Animism this study on the spirit of modern technology was very interesting.

Assessing the spirit of modern technologies involves a practice known in animism as understanding the "spirit of our time" or zeitgeist. Rather than viewing technology as mere metal and code, animism treats these paradigm shifts—such as the "information-age" or the "artificial intelligence-age"—as entities with an essential essence that can be evaluated for their impact on the world.

How you can assess the spirit of modern technologies:

1. Identify the "Essential Essence"

To assess a technology's spirit, you must look beyond its physical utility to its core nature. This involves deep focus to understand what the technology "is" at its heart. You might ask:

• What is the underlying intention and presence of this technology?
• Is it a force of "good or harm," and to what degree?

2. Perform an Ethical Assessment

Use specific ethical questions to determine how to relate to a new technology properly and proportionately. Consider the following:

• Utility and Impact: Does this technology produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people, nature, and the planet?
• Human Flourishing: Does the technology enhance or hinder your ability to live a flourishing, vibrant, and grounded life?
• Relational Effects: How does this technology affect your relationships with family, friends, and the wider "Earth Community"?
• Duty and Responsibility: What duties are assigned to us in response to this technology, and are we treating others as a "means to an end" or as valuable in themselves?

3. Apply Normative Moral Theories

Here's a framework for assessing "spirits of our time" through different philosophical lenses:

• Existentialism: Does using this technology allow you to act authentically, or is it leading you to thoughts and actions that are in "bad faith"?
• Virtue Ethics: Does the habit of using this technology strengthen your character and help you choose the right virtues?
• Deontology: Are you using this technology because it is the right thing to do, regardless of the consequences?

4. Reflect Through Journaling

To deepen your understanding use a Journal to expand your thoughts as your awareness of these "undercurrents" grows. By recording your observations of how a technology shifts the "flow of energy" in your own soul and environment, you can better define a rational and authentic response to it.

The Goal of Assessment

Ultimately, the purpose of assessing the spirit of technology is to refine your own soul. By understanding the essence of tools like AI or the internet, you can re-act and pro-act to them with honour, adjusting your habits to maintain a deep connection with nature even within a technological world.

Assessing the spirit of a modern technology is like meeting a powerful new person in your community; you don't just look at what they own or what they do for a living. Instead, you observe their character, how they treat your neighbors, and whether their presence makes the neighborhood a more vibrant and honest place to live.

My Notes: Living Ethically Through Animistic Principles

I've recently started taking a few courses on Druidry and I thought I would start posting my notes on the blog.

Animism fosters ethical and sustainable living by shifting the human perspective from one of dominance to one of honourable relationship within a vast community of sentient beings.Tthis worldview provides a framework for making more conscious choices by recognizing the inherent value and spirit in all things

Living Ethically Through Animistic Principles

Animism changes the definition of ethics from a human-centered code to a relationship-based practice.

• Rejecting Hierarchies: Animism rejects the "cult of the individual" and the idea that humans are superior to nature. By viewing all entities—animals, plants, stones, and rivers—as "persons" with their own consciousness, you are encouraged to treat them with the same respect and honesty you would offer a human neighbor.
• Assessing "Essential Essence": Ethical living involves looking at the "spirit" or "essence" of modern challenges, such as technological shifts or the climate crisis. By assessing these "spirits of our time," you can learn to re-act and pro-act to them properly and proportionately, refining your own soul’s response to the world.
• Acting with Honour: In the sources, living as an animist means "walking our talk" and adjusting behaviors to align with "honour"—a concept that involves life-long growth in understanding one's impact on the world.

Sustainability and the "Earth Community"

Sustainability in an animistic context is rooted in the understanding that humans are merely "one strand woven into the complex systems of Earth Community".

• Need vs. Want: A core tenet of this worldview is that a person should never take what they want, but only what they need—that which is strictly essential for life.
• Reciprocity and Mutual Benefit: Animism promotes a "give more than you take" policy. This is practiced through the guidelines of gathering, where you must ask permission from a plant nation before harvesting and offer a gift in return, such as water, fertilizer, or even your own breath.
• Caretaking and Responsibility: Sustainability is viewed as a "sacred, thoughtful, and kind action". It involves being aware of your ecological footprint and accepting the responsibility to caretake the specific place where you live. This includes simple acts like repurposing, recycling, and being considerate of all life during "weeding" or land management.

Heightened Awareness and Conscious Choice

Animism encourages a "new way of seeing" that directly impacts sustainable habits. By practicing "Sits in Nature" and orienting yourself to your local environment—knowing where your water comes from or which plants are local neighbors—you become more sensitive to the interdependency of life. This awareness makes it harder to act in ways that harm the "delicate web of existence".

Living animistically is like being a guest in a home where every object and inhabitant is alive and watching; you naturally become more careful with how you step, more grateful for what you consume, and more eager to leave the room better than you found it.

Simple Tarot: The Emperor

The Emperor represents structure, authority, and control. He symbolizes established order, logic, discipline, and the power to create stability and enforce rules. He is the archetype of the Father or leader, providing a solid foundation through clear boundaries and strategic action.

Key themes include:

• Authority & Leadership: Taking charge, establishing order, and providing direction.

• Structure & Discipline: Creating systems, rules, and consistent routines for success.

• Logic & Control: Using reason over emotion, and taking pragmatic action.

• Stability & Protection: Building a secure foundation and defending what you've created.

Simple Questions for Personal Meaning

On Authority & Leadership:

• Where in my life do I need to take more control or leadership?

• Am I being too rigid or too lax with my personal boundaries or rules?

On Structure & Foundation:

• What area of my life needs more structure, discipline, or a better plan?

• What long-term system can I build today for future stability?

On Logic vs. Emotion:

• In my current challenge, what would the most logical, strategic action be?

• Am I in need of more control, or do I need to relinquish some to find balance?

On Stability & Protection:

• What am I responsible for building or protecting right now?

• Does my life have a stable enough foundation to support my goals?

A Quick Reflection Prompt:

"If I ruled my life like a wise Emperor, what one law or structure would I establish first to create lasting order?"

References (for core meaning):

• Waite (1910): A.E. Waite describes The Emperor as "the embodiment of executive power" and "the head of the visible world," representing a "stability" achieved through law and authority, in direct contrast to The Empress's fertile potential.

• Eden Gray: In The Tarot Revealed (1960), Gray defines him as "the power of authority and reason," emphasizing his role as the establisher of order, ruler, and protector.

• Modern Synthesis: Authors like Rachel Pollack and Mary K. Greer consistently frame The Emperor as the archetype of worldly power, structure, and the conscious mind's capacity to shape reality through will and discipline.

My Notes: Animism - Assessing The Spirit Of All Things

I've recently started taking a few courses on Druidry and I thought I would start posting my notes on the blog.

Assessing the spirit of all things is a practice in animism that involves looking beyond the physical form to understand the essential essence of an object, place, creature, or even a societal movement. Rather than seeing a world of "mundane" objects, this practice invites a "way of thinking" that recognizes everything as being part of a spiritual community.

Assessing the spirit of all things involves the following dimensions:

1. Understanding the Essential Essence

Assessing spirit means investigating the "soul" or core nature of what we encounter. This includes:

• Natural Entities: Assigning spirit to flora, fauna, and places to better revere, celebrate, and protect them.
• Human Creations: Evaluating the essence of music, literature, and art.
• Societal Shifts: Looking at the "spirits of our time" (or zeitgeist), such as the "industrial revolution," the "artificial intelligence-age," or the "adverse climate-age".

2. Determining Ethical Value

A primary reason for assessing the spirit of things is to determine the good or harm they may cause. By analyzing the essence of a situation or technology, you can ask ethical questions, such as:

• How "good or bad" is this thing, and for how many people or natural entities?
• Does it enhance or hinder the ability to live a flourishing life?
• What duties or responsibilities are assigned to us in response to these things?

3. Informing Proportional Action

The ultimate goal of this assessment is to enable a person to "re-act and pro-act to them properly and proportionately". This process helps a person:

• Refine their own soul by making more rational and authentic responses to the world.
• Align their behavior with the concept of honour, which involves lifelong growth and adjusting habits based on deeper consciousness and connection.
• Avoid acting in "bad faith" and instead build an essence of life rooted in truth.

4. Deepening Focus and Focus on Relationship

Assessing spirit is a tool to bring deepening focus to our thoughts. It moves the practitioner away from the "cult of the individual" toward a rapport with the "Earth Community," recognizing that human life is not the "chief seat of life on Earth".

Assessing the spirit of things is like evaluating the "vibe" of a room or the underlying intent of a conversation; it requires looking past the surface level to understand the true nature of what is being presented so you can respond with wisdom and integrity.

My Notes: Animism

I've recently started taking a few courses on Druidry and I thought I would start posting my notes on the blog.

Animism is considered the oldest belief system of humankind, predicated on the idea that everything in the world—whether living or non-living—possesses a Spirit and consciousness. Derived from the Latin word animus, meaning "rational soul" or "intelligence," the term was formally coined in the 19th century to describe the "universal animation of nature".

Animism can be defined by several core concepts:

Core Principles of Animism

• Universal Sentience: In an animistic worldview, trees, plants, animals, stones, rivers, and even natural phenomena like the wind or moon are viewed as conscious beings.
• Equality of Life: Animism rejects the "cult of the individual" and human superiority. Instead, humans are seen as just "one strand woven into the complex systems of Earth Community".
• A Way of Relating: Rather than just a theoretical belief, it is a "way of relating to the world" through respectful, honest, and responsible interaction with nature.

The World of Spirit

The spiritual world can be categorized into two broad areas:

1. Spirit of Place: These are entities that inhabit specific locations, such as local deities, guardians of the landscape, or beings from folklore like Dryads, Nymphs, or the Fae.
2. Spirit of Living Things: This is the non-physical part of a person or creature—the seat of character and emotions—that makes them conscious. In Druidry, this Spirit is seen as eternal, departing the body at death to eventually return to a "Universal Consciousness".

Historical and Cultural Context

Animism has been a foundational element of human spirituality since Paleolithic times and remains a key component of several modern traditions:

• Ancient Roots: It was practiced by the ancient Celts, who venerated springs and rivers as gateways to the "Other World," and by Greek philosophers like Pythagoras and Plato.
• Global Traditions: It continues to thrive in Japanese Shinto (the belief in kami inhabiting all things), as well as in the traditions of indigenous cultures in North America and Australia.

Practicing an Animistic Life

Living as an animist involves a shift in perspective and daily habits, including:

• Letting Go of Hierarchies: Releasing the need for control and the idea that humans are separate from nature.
• Heightened Awareness: Practicing "Sits in Nature" to observe the flow of the environment and learning to "see with the heart and soul" rather than just the eyes.
• Reciprocity: Following a "give more than you take" policy, where one only takes what is essential for life and offers gifts (such as water or breath) in return for nature's bounty.
• Ethical Assessment: Understanding the "essential essence" of things—including modern technologies—to determine how to react to them properly and proportionately.

To understand animism is to view the world not as a collection of objects, but as a vast community of persons, where a stone or a storm is as much a "someone" as a human neighbor.

Simple Tarot: The Empress

Simple Tarot: The Empress

The Empress represents abundance, creation, and nurturing. She symbolizes fertility, nature, sensual pleasure, and the bringing of ideas into physical form. She is the archetype of the Mother, encouraging growth, comfort, and unconditional support. Her energy is about thriving and appreciating the beauty and richness of the material world.

Key themes include:

• Creation & Birth: Starting a new project, business, family, or artistic endeavor.
• Abundance & Prosperity: Material comfort, financial growth, and fruitful results.
• Nurturing & Care: Caring for yourself, others, or a budding idea. Prioritizing well-being.
• Sensuality & Nature: Connecting with your body, the senses, and the natural world.
• Beauty & Art: Appreciating and creating art, aesthetics, and harmony.

Simple Questions for Personal Meaning

• What am I trying to create or bring to life right now?
• Where in my life do I need to foster more growth?
• Am I neglecting a part of my life that needs attention and care to flourish?
• Do I believe I deserve abundance, and if not, why?

A Quick Journal Prompt:

"If I fully nurtured this area of my life what is the first loving action I would take?"

References

Waite (1910): A.E. Waite describes her as a figure of "fruitfulness," "beauty," and "the garment of life," explicitly linking her to the natural world and Venus, the goddess of love and abundance.

Eden Gray: In her seminal work The Tarot Revealed (1960), Gray defines The Empress as "the fruitful mother," representing "ripeness, productiveness, and material gain."

Simple Tarot: The High Priestess

The High Priestess represents your intuition, inner wisdom, and the mysteries of the subconscious mind. She calls you to look beyond the surface, trust your gut feelings, and honor the knowledge that comes in silence and dreams. This card is about accessing hidden truth and understanding that not everything needs to be immediately spoken or explained.

Simple Questions for Personal Meaning

When The High Priestess appears, ask yourself:

• What is my intuition quietly trying to tell me?

• What answers might I find if I spend time in stillness or meditation?

• What dream, symbol, or recurring thought am I not paying enough attention to?

• Where in my life do I need to trust a feeling instead of seeking a logical fact?

• What knowledge or potential feels like it's waiting beneath the surface?

References

1. Biddy Tarot (Brigit Esselmont): "The High Priestess is a powerful card that signifies spiritual enlightenment, inner illumination, and the link between the conscious and subconscious minds." She notes it represents "intuition, sacred knowledge, and divine feminine energy." (Esselmont, Biddy. Biddy Tarot: The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings. 2015.)

   • Link: https://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/major-arcana/high-priestess/

2. Labyrinthos (Gina Gong): "The High Priestess is a card of intuition and knowing... she invites you to connect with your inner voice and trust your instincts. She reminds you that some answers are found not in the external world, but within." (Gong, Gina. Labyrinthos Academy. Labyrinthos, 2023.)

   • Link: https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/the-high-priestess-meaning-major-arcana-tarot-card-meanings

3. The Wild Unknown (Kim Krans): Krans describes The High Priestess as "entering the inner sanctum" and connecting to the "unconscious, intuitive mind." She emphasizes the card's link to dreams, secrets, and the wisdom found in darkness. (Krans, Kim. The Wild Unknown Tarot Guidebook. HarperOne, 2016.)

Simple Tarot: The Magician

The Magician represents your full potential and the power to manifest your desires. It signifies that you have all the tools, skills, and resources you need at your disposal to turn your ideas into reality. The card is about taking action, using your willpower, and bridging the gap between the spiritual world (your ideas) and the physical world (your reality). 

Keywords: Manifestation, Power, Skill, Action, Resourcefulness, Willpower.

Simple Questions for Personal Meaning

When The Magician appears, ask yourself:

• What is one specific goal I can start to manifest right now?

• What skills, talents, or resources am I not fully using?

• How can I take a concrete first step to make my idea a reality?

• Where in my life do I need to be more assertive or confident in my abilities?

• What is the "magic" or unique potential that only I possess?

References

The description above is a synthesis of common interpretations from respected tarot authorities.

1. Biddy Tarot (Brigit Esselmont): "The Magician is the card of manifestation. The Magician is the male power of creation, creation by willpower and desire. The Magician signifies the gifts, talents, and resources available to you." (Esselmont, Biddy. Biddy Tarot: The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings. 2015.)

   • Link: https://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/major-arcana/magician/

2. Labyrinthos (Gina Gong): "The Magician is a card about seizing your destiny through your own willpower. It signals the time to take action... It is a card that shows the connection between the spiritual and the earthly realms." (Gong, Gina. Labyrinthos Academy. Labyrinthos, 2023.)

   • Link: https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/the-magician-meaning-major-arcana-tarot-card-meanings

3. The Wild Unknown (Kim Krans): In her guidebook, Krans describes The Magician as representing "potent action, manifestation, and the power of the will." She emphasizes the card's message that "you have everything you need" to create your reality. (Krans, Kim. The Wild Unknown Tarot Guidebook. HarperOne, 2016.)

Simple Tarot: The Fool

The Fool marks the exhilarating start of a new journey. It's that first, fearless step into the unknown, full of potential and adventure.

Simple Meaning

The Fool represents a new beginning, a leap of faith, and a journey into the unknown. It signifies a time of innocence, spontaneity, and unlimited potential. The Fool encourages you to embrace a new adventure with an open heart and a sense of trust, even if you don't have a full plan.

Keywords: Beginnings, Innocence, Spontaneity, Adventure, Trust, Potential, A Leap of Faith

When The Fool appears, ask yourself:

About New Beginnings:

• What new journey, big or small, is calling to me?

• Where in my life do I feel a desire for a fresh start?

• What would I do if I weren't afraid of the unknown?

About Trust & Faith:

• What would it feel like to trust the universe (or my own path) a little more right now?

• Where am I over-planning instead of just beginning?

• What adventure am I saying "no" to out of fear?

About Spontaneity & Innocence:

• When was the last time I did something purely for the joy of it?

• How can I bring a more lighthearted, curious energy into my day?

• What would my "inner child" want me to try or explore?

References

The description above is a synthesis of common interpretations from respected tarot authorities. Here are the specific references:

1. Biddy Tarot (Brigit Esselmont): "The Fool is a card of new beginnings, opportunity and potential. It represents a fresh start in life... and the faith required to embark on a new path." (Esselmont, Biddy. Biddy Tarot: The Ultimate Guide to Tarot Card Meanings. 2015.)

   • Link: https://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/major-arcana/fool/

2. Labyrinthos (Gina Gong): "The Fool is the card of ultimate potential. It is numbered 0... It is a card about new beginnings, having faith in the future, being inexperienced, not knowing what to expect... It encourages you to listen to your heart." (Gong, Gina. Labyrinthos Academy. Labyrinthos, 2023.)

   • Link: https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/the-fool-meaning-major-arcana-tarot-card-meanings

3. The Wild Unknown (Kim Krans): In her guidebook, Krans describes The Fool as "the spark of life, the great journey, the innocent soul. It is the moment just before you take a leap of faith." (Krans, Kim. The Wild Unknown Tarot Guidebook. HarperOne, 2016.)

   • This emphasizes the card's themes of innocence and the pivotal moment of starting an adventure.