The Bard's Path
The Ancestors
By C. Leigh McGinley
[Ed. Note: The Henge of Keltria Correspondence Course is intended to assist members of the Henge to improve their understanding and practice of Keltrian Druidism. This is part two of three parts to be run in Henge Happenings of Lesson X of the Henge of Keltria Correspondence Course.]
God and Ancestor Confusion
As indicated previously, the Otherworld is made up of many different lands, rather like our own world has many different geographical places. The Land of the Living (described with many names) and the Land of the Dead share the same space, as two aspects of the Otherworld, which may well indicate that the Gods and the Ancestors share the same space as well. The Irish Book of Invasions tells us that the people of Nemed, the Fir Bolg, and the Tuatha de Dannan were all related people. These people, especially the Fir Bolg and the Tuatha de Dannan (who were both descendents of Nemed), lived and interacted among the Sons of Mil. We know that the Sons of Mil are the Gaels, and truly can be considered our ancestors. Yet the line blurs with Donn, Son of Mil, who became the Lord of the Dead – a God.
This begs the question: can the ones we now worship as Gods, the Tuatha de Dannan, also be considered our ancestors? Some people believe so, even though evidence of a blood relationship between the Gaels and the Tuatha de Dannan is nonexistent. This is certainly an interesting dilemma, and one that is really beyond the scope of this lesson. However, no discussion of the Ancestors would be complete without at least touching upon this subject. In considering this, we should realize that the Tuatha de Dannan, when faced with doing battle against the Milesians (which would have devastated the land they revered so much), simply withdrew into the landscape, or agreed to take the “underground half” of Ireland, where most Irish believe they continue to live. Their dwelling in the sidhes gave our forebears the instinctive respect and love for the land and sacred places. This is a legacy without a doubt – a part of our heritage that cannot be denied.
So even if we cannot find evidence that the Tuatha de Dannan were related by blood to the Gaels, they could still be considered “ancestors of spirit” as the ancient inhabitants of Ireland and the very essence of Her being. They are the foundation of our spirit and our spirituality.
The Tradition of Samhain
Samhain is traditionally the time to honor one’s ancestors. This is a time when the sidhe mounds open up, and the Otherworld and this world are mingled in the “no-time.” Our ancestors, the dead, are counted among the denizens of the Otherworld who walk among us. It is the duty of the living to show their returning ancestors the proper respect and hospitality. Doors and windows are left unlocked as an invitation for the spirits to enter. It is thought that a “slua” or host of invisible people wander from house to house, with those belonging to each house remaining to share the festival with their kin. Food is set aside to be consumed by the dead, and it is forbidden the living to touch it. The whole thing includes games and fun as if to entertain the ancestors who return, rather like a family reunion.
We can see from this that a Celt’s relationship to a dead kinsman or friend doesn’t end with death. Instead, it is known to continue on a different plane, and communication with the dead is actually sought after. These traditions help us realize that death, as the ancient Druids might say, is only “a midpoint in a long life,” and that our ancestors are reachable — that they watch over us and communicate with us still.
Keltrian Seers often communicate with the Honored Dead at Samhain, using whatever tools with which they are comfortable. These communications are shared among the Grove members as appropriate. Some Groves set up an “ancestors’ altar” during Samhain, a second altar or shrine with items of significance placed upon it: old photographs, family mementos, cherished heirlooms, and the like, to honor their personal ancestors at that special time. These items encourage questions among the Grove members, and so help to facilitate discussion about each person’s individual lineage.
Honoring the Ancestors
While Samhain is an important time to honor the Ancestors, it is not the only time. Keltrian Druids honor the Ancestors every day, even if it is only in some small way, for we are keenly aware of the fact that without them, we would not exist.
Perhaps one of the most significant ways we honor the Ancestors is the fact that they are the first of the Triad invited to each and every Keltrian ritual (the other two of the Triad being the Nature Spirits and the Gods). The Ancestors are invited as respected Elders. Some Keltrians also consider it significant to use items that once belonged to a parent or grandparent (or an “ancestor of spirit”) as ritual tools as another way to honor their ancestral connections during ritual.
Aside from ritual, there are many other ways to honor the Ancestors in your everyday life. For instance, many Keltrians find it important to research their family trees as part of their training, and think of this genealogical research as a project to honor their ancestors. This work includes visiting gravesites, examining town histories, and discovering the origin of surnames. It is truly amazing what one learns about oneself from the history of one’s family. This family history should be shared whenever appropriate with family members and interested others so that it will not be forgotten. One should also encourage Grove members and friends to explore their own roots and take pride in their unique heritage.
Another way to honor the Ancestors every day is to learn a Celtic language. Most of the Celtic languages are in danger of dying out from disuse. Many Keltrians feel that allowing the language of your ancestors to die would be an insult beyond repair, and for this reason, these Keltrians learn their ancestral Celtic language as a way of honoring the ones who came before them and helping to continue the traditional ways. This honoring of the Ancestors has the added advantage of helping those of us who don’t live in modern Celtic societies to understand and relate to the Celtic mindset (which is very different from the mindset of our own culture) through the study of the words and imagery that are used to convey important concepts.
Yet another way to honor the Ancestors is to learn and retell the traditional stories of our People. These stories – historical or mythological – teach the traditional ways to the next generation, ensuring a continuation of our rich culture. Stories such as Cuchulainn and the Red Branch of Ulster or Fionn mac Cumhail and the Fianna contain a plethora of ancient cultural information that should be preserved for future generations to ponder and to take pride in.
One may join an Irish-American or Scottish-American Cultural Institute or Heritage Society, which, through events, classes, and special seminars of interest to those of Gaelic heritage, encourage one to explore one’s own heritage in greater depth.
But perhaps the most important way to honor the Ancestors is to live your life in an honorable way, a way that reflects well on your People, both those who came before and those who will come after. Your very existence honors the Ancestors if you live your life in a good way, a way that would make your People proud.
Part 3 of 3 to be continued next issue.
