Pillars of Society

Pillars of Society

"The three ruinations of a tribe: a lying chief, a false judge, and a lecherous priest."    ___ ancient Irish triad


   In Celtic society, the chief was known by this truth and generosity, the judge by his equity, and the priest by his sexual continence. When state, legislature and church fail, then the land and its people are at risk. The condemnations cited in the above triad do not strike us as old-fashioned, since our newspapers are still full of stories of the failure and falsehood of our own leaders. The corrupt politician, the bribed judge, and the abusive priest are still common characters in our society.

  Corruptions of office may have become more commonplace throughout the world, but there are still many who uphold the dignity and honor of the oaths befitting their position.

  Nothing less than the overhaul of all public institutions is now needed if suitable candidates for office are to be inspired and called forth to act on our behalf if we hope to continue to find leaders worthy of their calling who will not fail under the burdens of the office or fall into temptations of the office, we all must pay serious attention to the need for change.

   The oaths of public servants and ministers represent sacred binding contracts between a people and their gods. The chief or the politician is contracted to the spirits of the land; the judge is contracted to the spirit of truth; the priest is contracted to the guiding spirits of the universe. The breaking of such contracts brings great unhappiness to all.

"What are your personal criteria for those whom you elect to public office? What changes do you feel are necessary to public institutions?"
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]

The Month of July

Month of July - the hay is apt to smoke.
Ardent the heat; dissolved the snow;
The vagrant does not love a long confederacy.
    ___ anon. Welsh poem

July brings us to the height of summer. This month's meditational themes include opening the ways, the goddess and the feminine, holidays and wider horizons, the world as lover, recommitment to promises and vows, and secrecy and privacy.