Thoughts on Walking the Warrior Path
by Aldwyn Draigh /|\
As a Druid, as a pagan, and as a human being, we all face moments in our lives
in which we encounter evil, witness an injustice, possibly see a fellow human
in need of help or maybe our Earth or some of the beasts who cohabit it with
us being abused or suffering from neglect. It is in these moments that
we must make decisions that give clear indications as to our basic character,
that define exactly who we are. There are usually two simple options
to choose from; to decide that the situation at hand falls directly under
the category of ‘not my problem’ and continue on our way, leaving
the remedy, if any, to others. Or, alternately, to take a stand against
wrong, to choose some course of action that, hopefully, will set the situation
to right. Those who have committed themselves to walking the warrior
path, whether they name it so or not, know only of the second choice, the
first is unfathomable.
In choosing action, there are many things that need to be considered. First,
one must make every attempt to follow a course that will cause a minimum of
harm to all parties involved, while still bringing the situation to a satisfactory
closure. This is not often an easy task. There are times when it
is impossible to stop harmful action without engaging in harmful action. It
is hoped that in these cases, the good is clearly defined from the bad, so
that prolonged hesitation is not necessary, as this, in itself can cause defeat. It
is also advisable, though difficult, to try to keep anger or disgust from
clouding one’s judgment. Quite often the situations that would
most prompt us to action are the very same situations that would most stimulate
violent emotions. The warrior must trust in instinct, must at times trust
themselves to make that split second decision that could make the difference
between victory and defeat.
Still another consideration to take into account are the weapons at our disposal. As
a Druid, I consider my most powerful and formidable weapon to be Truth. Many
wrongful situations can be righted by administering a liberal portion of Truth. Lies
and misconceptions can cause great harm, but cannot stand against Truth. My
second most effective weapon is my Will, and through it the Will of the Olde
Ones, the Shining Ones, the Lady and her Lord. Through training, discipline
and rigorous practice we can achieve wonders through the focus of our Will. As
a last resort, but not always lastly used, is a strong arm, a swift sword,
or whatever other physical weapon that might be at hand. There unfortunately
are, always have been, and always will be situations in which no other solution
will suffice. We hope not to encounter these, but should never be unprepared
for them. Conflict is a fact of life, it is how we deal with it, and
what results we obtain, that mark us as who we are.
I feel it is equally important to recognize situations where we should avoid
engaging the enemy. Instances arise where we are tempted to retaliate
against petty actions, remarks or jealousies. This is not only beneath
our dignity, it is a total waste of our time and energy, and can be debilitating
to our health and mental stability. In most of these situations, action
will fail to bring about any positive solution, and the end result will be
little more than further frustration. Small minds cannot be altered through
reason or force. If action cannot result in positive change, leave well
enough alone. We must also learn to accept and recognize when a problem
requires additional strengths and feel free to call comrades to our aid. There
is strength in numbers, regardless of the type of conflict or the weapons
that must be employed in resolution. Count on those to whom you have
given your trust. Constantly strive to increase your network of allies. The
more friends and allies we can muster at any given moment proportionately
increases the size and complexity of the problems we can successfully resolve.
On a final note, there will always be a question of how much we are willing
to sacrifice in order to set wrongs to right. To what degree are we willing
to put ourselves at risk for any given situation? I can answer only for
myself, for I know that there are causes and injustices for which I would,
without hesitation, lay down my life. But these are extreme cases and
only your personal conscience and morality can assist you in making these
determinations.
A word on fear: Fear is not something to deny or of which to be ashamed. Fear
is a warning system. It is the mind and spirit’s way of telling
us that danger exists and that we should exercise caution. Never mistake
courage for the absence of fear. Courage is a personal ability to control
and overcome fear in order to accomplish a necessary task. Courage cannot
exist without fear, for to act in the absence of fear does not require courage.
If the path of the warrior has chosen you, walk it proudly, but without undue
arrogance. Do what is in your power to fight evil and alleviate injustice. Do
not expect everyone else to join you on this path, there are those who are
warriors and those who are not. This is merely a difference, not a failing
or a weakness. Some of us will do battle on the front lines while others
help the world in their own ways.
From the Triads
Three things which strengthen a person to stand against the whole world: Seeing
the quality and beauty of truth; seeing beneath the cloak of falsehood; and
seeing to what ends truth and falsehood come.
Three things from which never to be moved: one's oaths; one's Gods; and the
truth.
Three things without which the protection of the Shining Ones cannot be: forgiving
an enemy and a wrong done, wisdom in judgment and act; and cleaving to what
is just, come what may.
While the triads are considered an integral part of the Celtic culture and
most agree that they fall under public domain, the three quoted above were
taken from the following source: http://www.sophiagroup.org/triads.html
Aldwyn Draigh /|\
March 2003
aldwyndraigh [at] oakofrose [dot] org
Aldwyn Draigh is the co-founder of the Druidic Order of the
Oak of Rose and a contributing editor of Echoed Voices ezine, http://www.echoedvoices.org where
this article first appeared.
