Wisdom
Dedicant Path manual definition:
good judgment, the ability to perceive people and situations correctly, deliberate about and decide on the correct response.
Dictionary.com definition:
- the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.
- scholarly knowledge or learning: the wisdom of the schools.
- wise sayings or teachings; precepts.
- a wise act or saying.
I tend to think of wisdom as the combination of knowledge, practical experience, and good judgment to arrive at a correct course of action. While knowledge is the foundation of wisdom, it is experience that acts as a compass to make a good choice in any situation. This is why the elderly in any given culture were revered for their wisdom, because they have lived long enough to accumulate knowledge, but they were able to combine it with their past experiences to make good decisions and act on them. Thus, it makes sense for this virtue to fall under the attributes of rulers and priests when considering George Dumezil’s tripartite ideology. Indeed, a leader without wisdom wouldn’t be very effective. The ability to make wise decisions is also seen as important to a prosperous and fulfilling life, for it is good choices that open the way to that goal. Indeed, the virtue is included in the goal of Pagan life as illustrated by the triad “Health, Wealth, and Wisdom.”
In my opinion, the ADF definition and the Dictionary.com definition, while fine in their own right, paint an incomplete picture of wisdom by not drawing the connection between knowledge and experience. I believe it is vital for these two things to be linked, because without either element you lose a defining characteristic of the virtue. Two important elements in ADF is study and practice which makes wisdom an ideal virtue within the organization.
Nature awareness (continued):
Thursday evening I headed out to Silver Lake. The temperature was considerably cooler than last time, and it was an overcast evening with a healthy wind that blew through the trees. The foliage looked a bit thicker than last time, if that’s even possible! As I was walking down the small lane towards the underbrush to give my offerings, I noticed some movement near the woodchuck burrow. The woodchuck was back! Although it fled underground when it noticed me, it still stayed close enough to the surface to watch me. So, we watched each other for a little bit. I must say, it was nice to see the woodchuck. I had feared that it was gone for good after not seeing it for close to a month.
Shortly after, I gave my offering of olive oil to the landspirits and cornmeal to the Earth Mother. I’m not sure why I didn’t think to offer to the Earth Mother up until this point, but better late than never I suppose! I sat in my spot and listened to the wind through the trees. The birds and insects were less numerous it seemed, although I did hear the faint chirping of crickets in the underbrush. I watched as the clouds moved overhead, some of them breaking so that I could see the clear blue sky above them. I found that I could sit, listen, and be focused on the sounds around me. It would seem my mental training is helping in this regard and it was quite nice to have a clear mind to experience the wild surrounding me.
I didn’t get a chance to meditate because I had to leave a little bit early due to family obligations, but I intend to try next time. I think there could be some real benefit in opening myself up to the landspirits and the Earth Mother in that way. Before leaving, I went to see the woodchuck one last time, disposed of some trash I saw in the woods, and thanked the landspirits for the experience.
The Sacred Center 