•  
A+ A A-

Druidry: Forgiveness

Druidry: Forgiveness

Many spiritual paths embrace the concept of forgiveness as something we should practice.

Ancient Druidry comes from a heroic culture where – based on the stories that have come down to us – vengeance would have been more likely seen as a virtue than forgiveness. Modern Druidry certainly has more room for the idea than our ancestors did, and we certainly aren't under any pressure to forgive if we don't want to.

In recent weeks, I've been thinking a lot about forgiveness. It's not been something I've explored in earnest before. There are things I have hardened that I have no intention of forgiving – because that's part of how I now hold the boundaries I need. However, forgiveness is a complex, multi-faceted thing. Anger is useful for protection, but I don't want to end up carrying bitterness, resentment or anything else that might get in my way. I do not want my life poisoned by experiences I had no real control over.

This is a big topic, so I'm probably going to revisit it a few times as I pick through the various issues and implications.

My longstanding issue with forgiveness is that it can look a lot like letting someone off the hook. That in turn can enable future harm. Holding people to account is really important. I believe in community responsibility, and I am conscious that where there is abuse there is also often complicity. Bullies usually have enablers. Sometimes that's active, sometimes it's just a passive ignoring of the problem or pretending it isn't there. Active forgiveness does at least require recognizing the problem for a while, but it can be an enabling move.

At the same time, we're all flawed, messy humans. We all make mistakes, often innocently. I think most of us mostly act based on what we think are good ideas, but we can get that horribly wrong in all kinds of ways. We need to be able to forgive ourselves, and each other, for our flaws and failures, our cock ups and bad ideas.

I think that where someone has really got things wrong – including deliberate cruelty – if there is genuine remorse and a true desire to repair the harm and do something restorative, then forgiveness is appropriate. I think people who want to improve should have the opportunity to try.

The people who stick with toxic behavior are often injured and damaged themselves. That wounding can also look a lot like entitlement – ​​there's an argument for saying that being brought up to believe you are worth more than other people and entitled to things at their expense is a damaging experience. How much compassion does that merit? Is there any point in forgiveness for a person who refuses to learn, or grow or shoulder responsibility? I don't have any broad answers to this but the question remains important.

What do we forgive, and when and why? Forgiveness and power are clearly related to each other. We collectively forgive the deliberate crimes of the powerful and punish the mistakes of those who have least power. Forgiveness isn't just a spiritual issue, it's a political one as well.

Credit

druid life

About Nimue Brown

Druid, author, dreamer, folk enthusiast, parent, wife to the most amazing artist -Tom Brown. Drinker of coffee, maker of puddings.
Credit: druidlife.wordpress.com
Source Here

Posting on CrystalWind.ca ©2024. All rights reserved. Please do not reproduce any content without written permission. The article's title was crafted by CrystalWind.ca. 

Pin It

Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!

Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below! Scroll down to comment

Keep CrystalWind.ca free—your gift matters now!
Help us spread light today. Thank you, supporters!

Follow this blog

Disclaimer

We are in compliance with, "Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use." All rights reserved go to their respective holders. We do not own the intellectual property shown on this website, the respective holders own that privilege unless stated otherwise. We do not endorse any opinions expressed on the CrystalWind.ca website. We do not support, represent or guarantee the completeness, truthfulness, accuracy, or reliability of any content or communications posted on CrystalWind.ca.

Disclaimers for CrystalWind.ca: All the information on this website is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. CrystalWind.ca does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability, and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website (CrystalWind.ca) is strictly at your own risk. CrystalWind.ca will not be liable for any losses and/or damages

Thank You for Visiting CrystalWind!

We’re honored to be part of your journey.

Share your thoughts at .

Let’s grow together!

The Crystal Wind Oracle App
Shatter Illusions – Gain Clarity Now!
Instant Access On:
Apple | Android | Amazon
New! 53-Card Deck for Deeper Wisdom

Imagine a world of inspiration and healing, free for all—made possible by YOU!
Donate Now—Ignite the Magic at CrystalWind.ca!

Support CrystalWind.ca Today!

Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!

Call For Writers

Call For Writers!

Follow Us!

Featured This Month

Page:

The Oak Tree - June 10th - July 7th

The Oak Tree - June 10th - July 7th

Summer Solstice ( Alban Hefin ) Read more

Calcite

Calcite

The Cleansing Stone Calcite is a powerful amplifier and cleanser of energy.... Read more

Strong Sun Moon

Strong Sun Moon

Flicker – Carnelian Agate – Wild Rose – Pink June 21 – July 22 Read more

Wild Rose

Wild Rose

Wild Rose Fills your life with soft romance. Gender: Feminine Planet: Venus... Read more

Lammas

Lammas

Lammas Ritual Celebrated August 1st. Lammas is also known as Lughnasadh, La... Read more

Lammas by The Hedgewitch

Lammas by The Hedgewitch

Although in the heat of a Mid-western summer it might be difficult to discer... Read more

Cancer

Cancer

CANCER Jun 21 - Jul 22 Read more

Moonstone

Moonstone

Moonstone is one of the best stones for bringing emotional calm and stability,... Read more

Sun in Cancer

Sun in Cancer

Cancer Sun Sign Characteristics Overview The name "Cancer" comes from Latin, ... Read more

Birth Totem - Woodpecker

Birth Totem - Woodpecker

Birth Totem Woodpecker Birth dates: June 21 - July 21 Read more

Lugh - Celtic God Of The Sun

Lugh - Celtic God Of The Sun

The god Lugh was worshiped in Ireland as a deity of the sun. This connection... Read more

Egyptian Zodiac/Astrology

Egyptian Zodiac/Astrology

Egyptian astrology was one of the earliest forms of astrology. The Egyptians w... Read more

Abalone Shell

Abalone Shell

Echos Of The Ancestors Abalone strengthens the structure of the body and th... Read more

Cancer Mythology

Cancer Mythology

The Mythology of Cancer: A Celestial Tale of Loyalty and Sacrifice Among th... Read more

Chalcedony

Chalcedony

The Stone Of Orators Chalcedony was very popular as a decorative stone in ant... Read more

X

Right Click

No right click