Rediscovering the Ancient Path: A Journey to Druidry and Spiritual Alignment
Being a nature-oriented child, I unknowingly engaged in practices deeply rooted in Welsh traditions, particularly those of the ancient Druids. I, like many others, was brought up under an English education curriculum, where the rich and profound history of Wales was hidden or diminished. It was a system that made me feel ashamed of my Welsh heritage, distancing me from the cultural and spiritual lineage that had always called to me.
Yet, an unexplainable attraction to spirituality persisted throughout my life. This inner pull led me to immerse myself in various indigenous cultures, seeking a connection to the sacred and the ancient. It was as an adult that I encountered a traditional Hawaiian spiritual lineage, an unbroken chain of wisdom that welcomed and guided me. This lineage, which still runs strong today, gave me the name Hālani and illuminated my spiritual path in ways I had never imagined.
Through the Hawaiian tradition, I was introduced to protocols, prayer, dance, and meditation, all passed down orally from generation to generation. This method of transmission, so personal and precise, answered every question I had. It was through this lens that it was suggested by the Kumu to look deeply into my own cultural roots, realising how vital it was to reclaim the spirituality of my Welsh ancestors. This awakening led me back to Druidry, a path I now openly practice.
What attracted me to Druidry, beyond its profound reverence for nature and life, was the work required to uncover its truths. In many ways, the Welsh Druidic tradition has gaps in its recorded history, forcing those of us drawn to it to piece together the lost wisdom. For me, this process was made easier by the solid foundation given to me by the Hawaiian lineage, where unbroken teachings formed a spiritual compass. This foundation allowed me to discern trustworthy teachers within the Welsh and Celtic traditions, blending ancestral, spiritual and cultural connections with guidance I knew was authentic.
Some may look at my spiritual journey and see a mix of beliefs. But to me, it is a coherent alignment - an integration of different paths that respect each other. While my Hawaiian teachings serve as a personal anchor, I remain clear in my Druidry and celebrant work that each tradition has its place. I do not mix Hawaiian prayers with Welsh spirituality. Instead, I honour each path on its own merits, using what I have learned for my own personal practice while sharing my Druidic knowledge with others.
Through this rediscovery, I have found peace in both my Hawaiian and Welsh identities. I honour my ancestors and the unbroken spiritual legacy I follow, weaving their wisdom into my work as a celebrant and Welsh Druid. My journey is one of reconnection - both to the land and to the lineage that has always been mine.
