Wights | First Church of Druwayu

WIGHTS | LIVING ESSENCE OF ALL THINGS

The term wight originally denoted a living being, derived from the root wi- or vi-, meaning "life." It was synonymous with "creature" or "entity," referring to a specific being. Over time, it's meaning narrowed to describe spiritual or semi-spiritual beings, with varied representations across cultures. These representations fall into three primary categories, rooted in ancient traditions and supported by artifacts.

Geometric Shapes and Symbols: These abstract forms, often combinations of shapes or symbols, served as beacons or calls to attract specific wights. They were typically associated with formless entities that manifested through natural forces or environmental features, exerting influence without a tangible presence.
Icons, Objects, or Carved Images: Wights could be linked to physical objects, ranging from crafted figures to natural items like stones or human-made artifacts such as jewelry, tools, weapons, or musical instruments. These objects were seen as conduits or dwellings for wights, enabling them to exert influence—positive or negative—based on their nature and mood.
Costumes and Masks: A person wearing a mask or costume representing a wight invited its presence, blending the concepts of symbols and objects. The wight might possess the wearer or use them as a medium during rituals, dances, or performances, which later evolved into theater and modern storytelling. Tests were conducted to verify authentic possession, ensuring the intended wight, not a deceptive or malevolent entity, was present. Signs of genuine possession included sudden spikes in body temperature or electrostatic-like surges causing trembling.

Authentic possession was believed to require a healthy, robust host, as two souls sharing a body could "burn out" the host, leading to death. Wights were thought to grant hosts unnatural strength or abilities, but malevolent wights might attempt to displace the host’s soul to seize the body. If not expelled within days, the host’s soul could become a lost, wandering spirit, potentially turning malevolent.

Cultural interpretations assigned specific roles to these categories, often tied to their perceived proximity to a supreme deity. However, many sources, influenced by later biases, misclassified all non-divine entities—including human ghosts—as demons, falsely labeling them as evil.

The concept of angels as winged humanoids often surprises people, as it stems from depictions of lesser deities rather than divine messengers. These deities also had their own hierarchies of servants, including animals, natural forces, or chosen humans, acting as their agents or intermediaries.

Variations of spelling:

Wuht, wihht, wyt, wighte, wighȝt, wiȝt(e), wiȝth, weiht, weiha, wīh, wekti, whight, wigt, wīha, wīhaz, wēoh, wai, wa, wae, viht, vihta, vigt, veiht, vae, vaetr, vé, véttr, vaettr, vekti, vätte, vætte, vette, fā, fae, fey, fay, faer, feria, faet, and fata to name just a few.

Other Related Terms

The Vættr: Vættr (pl. Vættir) are believed to have a significant impact on the natural world and are often associated with specific locations such as mountains, forests, and bodies of water, though not all are specifically reserved to just nature but also various other influences or functions, many times associated with death.
- The term Vættir is a collective term used to describe a wide range of supernatural beings just as is Wight and Fairy. In this case its clearly based in Latin vi pronounced "v-eye" derived from as in vitae (vital/vitality) having the same base meaning of "life/alive" connected with an Icelandic based singular or plural suffix
The Fairy: Fairy (pl. Fairies) has a strange development behind its namesake. It's first base meaning from Latin is fari meaning "announce/decree." It likely that later or during the development of the concepts it also related to the word "fair" from Vulgar Latin feria meaning "pleasing/enjoyable."
- A third influence is of course fae which is akin to vae from Latin vi pronounced "v-eye" derived from as in vitae (vital/vitality) having the same base meaning of "life/alive" combined with with ery (from ergi/urge) 'work' as "life worker" ery/erg/ergi/urge is also the same source as eerie that came to take on the sense of "caution/timidness/disturbing."

Most likely it was derived from source of "fair" meaning "pleasing/enjoyable" and pronounced as fair-ee-uh. The alternative combination is fae as the alternative of vae and wae (life) akin to Vulgar Latin vi pronounced "v-eye" as in vital having the same base meaning, combined with ery (from ergi/urge) 'work' as "life worker which would then hold its link to the associated sense of fate as the word fate is derived from Vulgar Latin fari meaning figuratively "to speak" in the sense of announce. It should be noted that ery/erg/ergi/urge is also the same source as eerie that came to take on the sense of "timidness/disturbing" as something being a sensed but otherwise unseen presence.

The framework described here posits that all existence originates from the One and Three, transitioning from Pure Energy (PE) to Pure Matter (PM), which combines to form Living Matter (LM)—biological life. Upon death, LM releases Living Energy (LE), often called a ghost, which retains memory, personality, and awareness as a distinct entity. This cycle, termed the Wight Wheel, reflects four spiritual states and processes, all contingent on the One and Three.

Core Concepts

Pure Energy (PE): PE is the uncaused, indestructible life force—eternal and formless, unable to act without a directive cause. It manifests through patterns and expressions but cannot be directly known, only observed through its effects.
Pure Matter (PM): PM encompasses all physical substances—particles, atoms, and elemental forms like plasma, gas, liquid, and solid (or symbolically, fire, wind, water, stone). It includes organic compounds and forms the basis of observable, objective phenomena.
Living Matter (LM): LM is biological life, a fusion of PE (the "spark" of life) and PM (the physical body). The mind, shaped by bodily experiences, develops consciousness, personality, and intelligence. LM represents the tangible, living forms most readily understood.
Living Energy (LE): LE, or the ghost, is the conscious entity released at death, retaining the individual’s memories, personality, and awareness. Composed of a less dense "spirit body," LE resembles PE but remains individualized. It may influence the physical world, interact with the living, or reenter the cycle through rebirth.

Implications of Living Energy (LE)

LE entities, or ghosts, exist as dynamic patterns of energy, akin to neurological structures retaining information. They may appear formless or shapeshift into recognizable forms, aligning with folklore describing ghosts as dreamlike or communicative in dreams.

LE can influence the physical environment by absorbing and redirecting energy, affecting electrical impulses in living beings’ nervous systems for benign or malignant purposes. This explains cross-cultural beliefs in ghosts and disembodied entities, as well as associated phenomena like apparitions or poltergeist activity.

LE also suggests an afterlife where ghosts persist as aware entities, potentially evolving into semi-physical or non-physical states. Rebirth is possible if the entity reenters the cycle, provided its lineage or species persists. Notably, not all LE entities originate from biological life; some may emerge directly as formless intelligences, imperceptible to human senses (e.g., outside visible light spectrums). These non-biological entities, distinct from ghosts, may lack structure and appear as hazy masses of force or energy.

Nature of Wights

While most sources will simply call Wights spirits, it’s more diverse than that in they are not just spirits as symbolic of powers of influence. They are embodiments of those powers and qualities of the real world being both apart of those powers and qualities as well as beings in their own right and thereby deserving respect.

Though the sense of pantheon is not necessary a proper term in this context, in a general sense it can be said the various families or orders of Wights naturally varies from community to community and region to region. How well known such may have been at one point or another, without any actual concrete and clear written records preserved, such is more or less hypothetical or speculative at best.

They are not divine in the sense of being transcendent and omnipotent.
Like any living thing, they can sometimes make mistakes and behave badly.
In essence, they are not different from human beings or nature but part of nature like us.
They exist as within the universe we do, and not distinct from it.
Some can be equal to humans, more primal like wild animals, lack any awareness or be more advanced in their intelligence and awareness, but not absolute.
Some may prefer to interact with humans, some avoid humans and others not care one way or the other if we exist or if we do not.
They can be considered as making up the diverse living forces that inhabit any living beings including humans.
Some can be distinct beings themselves developing more directly from the forces of nature and the universe.
They can be expressed or be the forces of nature and the various features of the environments anywhere within, on or beyond this world.
They can also be the minds and memories of animal and human beings who became Wights after their deaths but still present to a certain point.
They can even be formed from the collective thoughts, emotions and urges of beings like humans till they become their own composite and self aware entity, often called an elemental more or less but have a more temporary existence as ‘spirits of places.’
The most commonly believed or accepted means by which such self-aware Wights may communicate with people is the through the sensations they get in the environment, whether a sense of comfort or unease, or through vivid dreams rather than the more random ones everyone has.
Dreams that seem to repeat or occur more than once or continue like a story being told that you do not quickly forget are considered such self aware Wights either warning you, teaching you or reminding you of something important but that can only truly be sorted out by the one experiencing such because it always tends to be very personal in nature.

Another factor is though they are not worshiped in the usual sense of the word as it has come to be applied in place of other terms, each is viewed as a powerful being who, if given proper respect, can use his or her particular power for human good, bringing rainfall, healing, fertility, or protection, and if disrespected take those gifts away and simply allow misfortune to fall upon such people without having to directly cause such.

This does not mean it is thought they cannot directly lash out, though it is generally considered one has to do something particularly bad to evoke their wrath. This is also evident in the fact that many concepts surrounding Wights, even by some other name or term in some other culture or language, regard all the different names for such beings among different people and nations are just different ways of talking about and expressing the same thing. It should be no surprise then that cross culturally we often find three common connections in diverse customs and folklore.

The Wight as a being, with its own traits of personality and overall character.
The Wight represented by a dancer who represents and becomes a medium of the Wight
The Wight image/idol/doll that becomes the representation and the home of the Wight.

The Essence of Wights: The Life Force in All Things

Wights, in an animistic sense, embody the life essence that flows through all existence—ancestors, animals (including family pets), natural forces, landscapes, celestial phenomena, and even intelligent entities that have never taken physical form.

Unlike deities, wights are not worshiped but honored as the enduring essence of beings, from individual ancestors to revered rulers, recognized according to their cultural significance. Every living being inherently possesses this essence and is considered a wight, both in life and after death, deserving respect regardless of familial ties.

Spiritual Abilities and Influence

Some traditions suggest that wights exert influence over their surroundings, though accessing these abilities is often dangerous or limited. Certain individuals are believed to possess innate spiritual gifts, forming the basis for concepts like spiritual powers or abilities.

Upon death, wights may become localized presences, tied to specific places and operating within the constraints of the Drikeyu—the cosmic framework that governs all existence. Just like humans, wights exhibit both positive and negative tendencies, making them capable of being helpful or harmful. Respecting their presence—or leaving them undisturbed—is essential to avoiding hostility.

Abstract and Ineffable Wights

Some wights represent abstract concepts that defy precise definition or translation between languages. While their presence may be intuitively understood, they often resist articulation, leading to personal comprehension that lacks explicit description.

Critics argue that this broad definition allows anything to be considered a wight, but this inclusivity reflects a holistic view of existence, embracing the interconnectedness of all things rather than imposing rigid classifications.

Cross-Cultural Parallels

The universality of wights is evident across cultures, appearing under different names but sharing strikingly similar roles. They may be known as:

Kami (Japanese)
Kachinas (Pueblo)

Despite linguistic and artistic differences, common motifs persist, including giants, little people, superhuman beings, elevated ancestors, and ghostly entities.

For instance, the Hawaiian Night Marchers closely parallel the European Wild Hunt, both depicting spectral processions of the dead, and both carrying shared lore about avoiding their path to prevent being swept into their ranks.

Exploration of the Drikeyu: The Cosmic Framework of Existence

The Drikeyu represents the natural order or cosmic framework that governs the existence and interactions of all entities, including wights. Though not fully defined in previous texts, it can be understood as a metaphysical structure that establishes the boundaries and possibilities within which wights operate. It ensures that their influence remains aligned with the broader balance of reality.

Cosmic Order and Harmony

The Drikeyu functions as the fundamental principle that maintains harmony between the physical and spiritual realms. It prevents chaos or unchecked influence by establishing natural limits for all entities.

For example:

A wight tied to a river may influence its flow and surrounding ecosystem, but it cannot disrupt the broader balance of nature.
A mountain wight may affect local weather, yet it remains subject to environmental cycles beyond its own power.

These interconnected forces ensure that wights exist within the structure of reality rather than above it.

Interconnectedness of Existence

The Drikeyu reflects animistic beliefs—that all things, living and non-living, are interwoven within a greater cosmic system.

Wights are expressions of life essence, operating within the Drikeyu’s order.
Their actions, whether beneficial or harmful, are shaped by their relationship to the world, other beings, and the One and Three—the ultimate source of existence.

Everything is connected through this framework, ensuring that no entity exists in isolation.

Moral and Practical Implications

Respect for wights is essential, as violations of the Drikeyu may disrupt balance:

Provoking wights through disrespect or ignorance could result in spiritual or environmental disturbances.
The Drikeyu imposes ethical guidelines, encouraging reverence for nature, ancestors, and unseen forces.
Maintaining balance ensures harmony, both physically and spiritually.

Dynamic and Contextual Nature of the Drikeyu

The Drikeyu is not a rigid law, but rather a living system that adapts based on:

Cultural perceptions—how different peoples honor and interact with wights.
Environmental factors—how wights manifest in diverse landscapes.

For example, the influence of a wight in a forest may differ from one in a desert, each embodying unique attributes while remaining bound within the greater cosmic framework.

Drikeyu as a Web of Relationships

The Drikeyu can be envisioned as a vast web, where each thread represents a connection between:

Wights
Humans
Nature
The One and Three

This ensures that no entity exists in isolation, and that disruptions—such as dishonoring wights—can create ripples of consequences throughout the system.

Through this cosmic framework, the Drikeyu binds all aspects of reality together, ensuring that existence remains balanced, meaningful, and structured.

Wights vs. Kami: A Cross-Cultural Comparison

Similarities

1. Animistic Essence

Wights embody the life force present in ancestors, animals, natural elements, landscapes, celestial bodies, and non-physical entities. They are not deities but vital presences within existence.
Kami represent the spiritual essence of natural phenomena, ancestors, and abstract forces. Though not always gods, they possess awe-inspiring or sacred qualities.

2. Localized Influence

Wights may become tied to specific places (forests, rivers, mountains) and exert influence within the Drikeyu, requiring respect to avoid hostility.
Kami reside in sacred locations (shrines, trees, stones), influencing their surroundings. Rituals and offerings are performed to ensure harmony and prevent misfortune.

3. Positive & Negative Potential

Wights reflect human-like duality, capable of being helpful or harmful, depending on treatment.
Kami can bestow blessings (protection, prosperity) or curses (disasters, illness) based on human actions such as neglect or disrespect.

4. Cross-Cultural Universality

Wights share motifs with global traditions (e.g., the Wild Hunt, Hawaiian Night Marchers), showing universal animistic beliefs.
Kami parallel Vættir, Fairies, Kachinas, Kami and other nature-based spirits, adapting shared themes within Shinto cosmology.

Differences

For the most part, the apparent differences are only superficial yet are mentioned for clarification within regards to cultural perceptions.

1. Cosmological Framework

Wights exist within the Drikeyu, which governs all entities equally, ensuring balance between cosmic laws, dynamics, and essence. They are subject to the same order as humans, animals, and natural forces, rather than being outside or above it.
Kami exist within Shinto cosmology, where they are categorized into Amatsukami (heavenly deities) and Kunitsukami (earthly spirits). While Shinto emphasizes ritual purity and harmony, it does not feature a unified cosmic framework like the Drikeyu.

2. Cultural Expression

Wights are expressed across cultures (e.g., Norse Vættir, Pueblo Kachinas, Fairies) with diverse linguistic and artistic representations, but they all share the same animistic foundation.
Kami are deeply tied to Japanese culture, depicted in Shinto shrines, festivals, and rituals (e.g., matsuri, tamagushi offerings), giving them a formalized structure that wights do not necessarily follow.

3. Role of Ancestors

Wights encompass individual ancestors, rulers, and cultural figures, continuing their life essence beyond death. All beings inherently possess this essence, making ancestor veneration central in wight traditions.
Kami include ancestral spirits (e.g., Ujigami, clan deities), but ancestor worship is not universal in Shinto, as its focus extends beyond human ancestry to broader divine forces.

4. Abstract Concepts

Wights explicitly include ineffable, abstract forms that resist precise articulation, reflecting philosophical recognition of existence beyond language.
Kami, while also embodying spiritual forces (e.g., Musubi, the spirit of creation), are more tied to physical manifestations (e.g., shintai, sacred objects) than to pure abstraction.

Both wights and kami operate as animistic entities, maintaining localized influence, duality, and cross-cultural presence. However, the Drikeyu’s structured cosmic framework, which governs all existence equally, contrasts with Shinto’s fluid spiritual hierarchy. Additionally, wights' abstract nature differs from kami’s focus on tangible expressions through shrines, festivals, and ritual offerings.

When Wights also Include the concept of Ghosts

The most common symbol associated with the ghost is that of the five-pointed star pattern and the strs of the night sky associated with the ancestors. This basic concept is also the basis behind the proper meaning and position of such 'pentagrams' and pentacles (pentagram in a circle).

The upright is the most common one representing ascension to the sky after death, while the inverted actually represented birth or incarnation. This is also based on the observation that in most cases when someone dies, they are more often face up to the sky, while during the birthing process, the head is pointed downward. This also is the basis behind the star as an abstract symbol of the individual with the points, including the center, expressing aspects of the individual.

The Six Aspects of the Ghost

The concept of the ghost body acknowledges the continuation of existence beyond the physical, extending beyond the common "five souls" model by recognizing the center, making six core aspects, plus the flesh body in life and the ghost body in the afterlife, totaling seven. These aspects define an entity’s individuality and presence, both in life and beyond:

Mind & Memories – The cognitive repository of experience.
Individual Personality & Self – The unique traits that define identity.
Will & Temperament – The guiding force behind intention and action.
Name & Identity – The symbolic representation of existence.
Heart & Emotions – The essence of feeling and connection.
Vitality & Life Essence – The core energy that sustains being.

The Spiritual Body & Its Representation

The spiritual body is often depicted as a shadow or image, reflecting the shape and presence of the individual. Many cultures created figurines or statues as vessels for souls, serving as abodes for wights and spirits. Damaging these figures required ritual repairs or replacements, ensuring the soul’s transition, while destruction or removal of names banished the ghost, leading to a "second death."

The Role of the One and Three

In all matters concerning death and beyond, it is understood that the One and Three—regardless of the names given by different cultures—hold absolute authority over the fate of the ghost self-body. Whether an entity remains to haunt the living or transitions into an alternate state or realm, this ultimate determination lies beyond human control and rests in divine judgment.

The Pentacle & Sacred Geometry

The five-pointed star or pentacle is positioned in the wheel form, with the One and Three geometrically represented in the center. This symbolizes the divine foundation governing the cycles of existence, ensuring that all spirits, wights, and souls are subject to the greater cosmic order rather than being free-floating entities.

Synthesis

Wights and Kami both reflect animistic worldviews that recognize the sacredness of all existence, from natural phenomena to ancestors. However, wights are framed within a metaphysical cycle (Wight Wheel, Drikeyu) that emphasizes transformation and cosmic order, while Kami are embedded in Shinto’s ritualistic and localized practices, with less emphasis on a unified cosmology. The comparison highlights how universal animistic principles adapt to specific cultural contexts, with wights offering a broader, more philosophical lens and Kami a more ritual-centric approach.

Correcting Misconceptions About the Pentacle & Its Meaning

The idea that an inverted pentacle represents "evil" and an upright pentacle represents "good" is a modern distortion rooted in misconceptions that emerged during the late 1800s and early 1900s CE. This belief stems from the false occult idea that the physical/material world is corrupt, while the spiritual/immaterial world is pure—a perspective imposed rather than organically developed from older traditions.

The Cyclical Nature of the Star

In reality, neither orientation is inherently good or bad—both are expressions of natural cycles rather than moral absolutes. The upright pentacle was historically associated with banishment and destruction, while the inverted pentacle was connected to protection and preservation of life—the opposite of modern misrepresentations.

Similarly, erroneous associations have been made between:

The inverted pentacle and the Sun setting in the West
The upright pentacle and the Sun rising in the East
The so-called Morning and Evening Star (Venus) being linked to pentacle orientations

These connections were not part of older traditions but are later fabrications that diverge from the true meaning.

Wights and the Connection to Ghosts

This discussion naturally leads to Wights, which are often compared to ghosts, as they represent the life essence of all beings beyond physical form. The term "ghost" is widely understood, making it a useful reference when discussing disembodied entities, whether they are seen as ancestors, lingering spirits, or energy-based presences.

Wights embody a holistic understanding of existence, bridging the physical, metaphysical, and cosmic realms, and demonstrating the interconnected nature of all beings, beyond the confines of nationality or cultural lineage.

Defining the Holy Ones

The term "Holy One" is often misunderstood, frequently conflated with "saint," which originates from the Latin sanctus, meaning "set apart" or "sacred." In contrast, holy stems from the Old Saxon root heli, meaning "to heal" or "to make whole," and is etymologically linked to words like hell, hall, and hole. Originally, hell referred to sacred burial places—tombs, caves, or cemeteries—designated as Holy Lands or Holy Places associated with the Holy Ones, rather than the later concept of a punitive afterlife.

Recognition of Holy Ones

Recognition as a Holy One varies across cultures, traditions, and societal values, with no universal criteria—meaning someone honored in one era may not be in another. Aside from having to have been actual historical figures, they are often given such recognition for embodying some of these traits:

Kindness and patience.
Honesty and reliability.
Selfless compassion and charity.
Deep respect for the worth of others' lives.
Healing abilities—physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Courage and protection of others.
Efforts to foster peace and reconciliation.

These qualities may develop over time rather than being innate. Acts of peacemaking can range from resolving personal disputes within families or communities to, in rare instances, influencing nations. Honoring Holy Ones preserves their legacies of struggle and achievement, inspiring others to uphold their virtues and pursue their aspirations. Such recognition arises from the collective will of the people rather than institutional or clerical authority.

The Will of the People

Holy Ones earn deep respect and a lasting bond with communities, often through acts of healing—whether mental, emotional, or physical—sometimes perceived as miracles. The people, not clergy or rulers, determine who is honored, believing that the souls of the deceased, having once been human, understand human needs and can intercede on their behalf. These bonds form during the individual's lifetime, not posthumously.

Holy Ones may be invoked to counter malevolent spiritual entities when resolution through other means fails, using their influence to restore harmony. Many are honored with offerings reflecting their known preferences (e.g., food, music), based on the principle of reciprocity: caring for them ensures their continued care for the living. While spiritual leaders may oversee certain rituals, the act of honoring Holy Ones remains primarily communal and focused on real individuals, rather than mythological figures.

Memorials and Shrines

Memorials—graves, markers, icons, or plaques—commemorate Holy Ones and document their contributions, serving as inspiration for future generations. Some of these sites evolve into community shrines where votive offerings (e.g., flowers) are left as expressions of connection, whether locally or regionally. Individuals may also pray to Holy Ones for guidance, recognizing that their influence operates within the broader balance of spiritual and physical realms.

Personal shrines, especially for beloved ancestors, often feature a photo or representation of the individual, surrounded by candles to symbolize the unity of the material and spiritual worlds. A central incense burner represents prayers and the ancestor's presence, while a red tablecloth signifies vitality and protection. Offerings such as fruit (e.g., apples, symbolizing health and luck) may be eaten as a form of communion with the ancestor. Personal items (e.g., a ring, necklace) further connect the shrine to the deceased. These shrines require a genuine, positive relationship with the departed during their lifetime. Tampering with or stealing from them is considered deeply disrespectful and may invite ancestral displeasure, though this belief is largely rooted in tradition rather than supernatural consequence.

Trilithons as Sacred Gates

Trilithons—structures consisting of two vertical stones supporting a horizontal lintel—traditionally mark boundaries between the mundane and the sacred, often serving as entrances to shrines or burial grounds. Found across ancient cultures, they symbolize spiritual gateways, akin to torii gates in Japanese Shinto, though specific comparisons between traditions are avoided. Trilithons frequently delineate cemetery entrances or shrine perimeters, signifying a transition into a revered space.

Many sacred sites also feature upright memorial stones, akin to rune stones (ronn, raun, rúna, meaning "to redden," due to red ochre or hematite etchings and inscriptions on other stone surfaces). These stones document the deeds of Holy Ones, reflecting cross-cultural practices. Evidence of ancient east-west exchanges—such as shared symbols like swastikas—suggests historical interconnectedness that challenges rigid narratives of cultural separation.

The concept of swastikas has been misinterpreted and corrupted for far too long. The word "swastika" is often claimed to be derived from Sanskrit, meaning "well-being." However, the Sanskrit term for well-being is Edhatu, while the word for fortune is Bhaga. When tracing the supposed meanings of "swastika" back to Sanskrit, the term does not appear in lists, expressions, or terms for well-being, fortune, nobility, or auspiciousness.

True Etymology

The true etymology of "swastika" lies in the combination of suai (sway) and stika (sticks). In this context, "sway" refers to something curved or bent, while "sticks" describes the bent lines that convey a sense of motion. This etymology explains the various designs of swastikas, including those with two, three, or four bent ends, and more. The commonly recognized four-fold version reflects this naming convention.

Symbolism and Motion

The bent arms of the swastika, whether oriented to the left or right, symbolize motion—specifically, rotation along a circular compass centered on an axis. The equal-armed cross, with endpoints resembling hammers, represents the cardinal directions: North, East, South, and West. Occasionally, a smaller cross is added to signify the total of eight directions. In ancient usage, particularly on urns, the swastika symbolized the endless cycles of renewal. It also connects to concepts related to Wights and the origins of ghosts.

Cosmic Associations

Understanding the swastika’s deeper meaning requires knowledge of planetary and lunar orbits, as well as the Earth’s axial tilt in relation to the Sun. Observations of the Earth’s polar axis reveal its natural wobble, which influences planetary environments and climates. Additionally, the alignment of the Big and Little Dipper over time creates a phenomenon that some interpret as a type of swastika.

The True Purpose of Honoring the Departed

Many feel a deep need to honor those who have passed, yet the most meaningful connections should be built while they are still here, rather than waiting until the afterlife. Honoring the dead is ultimately about honoring life—not death—though many misunderstand this distinction.

None of us truly know what lies beyond, nor do we have any certainty or assurance that personal identity continues beyond death. It is natural not to know, and dwelling excessively on the unknown can steal away the experience of living in the present.

It is also unfair and selfish for others to demand excessive mourning to the point that it prevents someone from living their own life. Grief should be personal, not dictated by societal expectation.

The Journey to the Afterlife

Ancient traditions held that when a loved one passed away, they began their journey to the underworld—often referred to as Hell. While modern Christianity associates Hell with a realm of eternal suffering, its name originally comes from Hel, one of the three goddesses who ruled over the realm of the dead. While historical specifics have faded, echoes remain of an afterlife not solely defined by suffering, but also by rest, healing, and renewal. This meaning is reflected in Hel’s connection to words like heal and holy, both derived from heli, meaning "to make whole."

After the 1200s CE, descriptions of the underworld borrowed heavily from Greek and Roman concepts, leading to the more structured visions of afterlife realms. However, older traditions emphasized burial mounds and tombs as places where the dead reunited with their ancestors, existing in a world similar to our own—absent suffering, illness, and aging.

Ancient customs included providing the deceased with new clothing, shoes, and tools to help them navigate the afterlife. One notable tradition was Helskór, or “Hell Shoes,” placed on the dead so they could walk to Valhall(a)—meaning "Hall of the Fallen" (from Val, meaning "fall," and höll, meaning "hall"). These shoes were given to those deserving of them as an act of compassion, irrespective of status or rank.

The Road to the Afterlife

Ancient traditions speak of the deceased encountering a great linden tree full of shoes during their journey—symbolic of mercy extended to those who had acted with kindness in life. As part of this passage:

The dead crossed a thorn-covered heath before reaching a river filled with sharp iron edges.
The unjust waded through it, suffering immense pain, only to be restored upon reaching the other shore.
The just crossed safely using floating boards.

On the second day, the path forked into three directions—one leading to the heavens, one to the underworld, and one to an unknown destination, potentially signifying rebirth or a parallel existence.

Defining Our Ancestors

When we speak of ancestors, we generally refer to those we are directly descended from, but ancestry goes beyond biology—it is about emotional and mental connection, not race or ethnicity. Important figures in one’s life—whether mentors, teachers, or dear friends—can also be honored as ancestors. Across all cultures, the dead remain significant, shaping our memories and histories. Even if all that remains of them is a burial place and a tombstone, their legacy lives on.

Some believe that ancestors continue to watch over the living, offering guidance and protection. Others see them as mischievous spirits or guardians who intervene when needed. Some may return seeking justice or vengeance for past wrongs, while others remain distant, waiting for their loved ones to join them in due time.

Regardless of the belief system, remembering the departed serves to acknowledge their impact and ensure their stories are passed down.

The Lessons of Ancestors

Honoring ancestors should not be done out of mere obligation, nor should it be performative. True remembrance strengthens present relationships and demonstrates authentic love and appreciation. Those who honor the dead should do so while their loved ones are still alive—not as an afterthought.

Additionally, no one should trust those who claim to possess certainty about the afterlife. The only guarantee is that the present matters most. Burial sites are more than resting places—they provide opportunities to teach future generations about their heritage and preserve collective histories.

Caring for the Dead

Some believe the dead remain close to the Earth and that the living has a responsibility to care for them through prayers and offerings. Helping ancestors in the afterlife may allow them to shed their worldly concerns and ascend to a divine state—though beliefs vary.

It is also believed that ancestral spirits retain their personalities from life, which is why forming strong bonds in the present matters. Calling upon them does not guarantee a response; they have their own wills and should not be treated as servants. Regular offerings in their honor show respect, while requests for aid should only be made when all other options have been exhausted.

Ethnocentric Views on Honoring Ancestors

The idea that Druwayu is "ethnocentric" in its approach to honoring the dead is a misrepresentation. The practice of honoring ancestors and spirits is universal, spanning countless cultures and traditions across history. The notion that only one culture has ever engaged in such remembrance rituals—whether through storytelling, music, offerings, or ceremonies—is entirely false.

Diversity in Ancestral Veneration

Druans come from a wide range of ancestral backgrounds and carry with them traditions rooted in the histories and customs of their origins. Because of this, honoring the dead within Druwayu is not an act of cultural appropriation or hijacking—it is an organic continuation of shared human traditions.

The idea that ancestral veneration belongs exclusively to one cultural group is a limiting and inaccurate view. If this were true, it would suggest that only one civilization had ever honored their deceased loved ones, which disregards the rich, global history of remembrance. Honoring the dead is not about division—it is about respect, continuity, and acknowledgment of those who came before.

Ethnocentrism, the tendency to view one's own culture as superior and use it as the standard for evaluating others, has been widely criticized in cultural studies and something Druans must never submit to. Some of the main criticisms include:

False Conclusions: Ethnocentrism can lead to inaccurate assumptions about other cultures, reinforcing stereotypes and misunderstandings.
Social Divisions: It creates rifts within societies, fostering discrimination and exclusion of those who do not conform to dominant cultural norms.
Limits Perspective: By prioritizing one cultural viewpoint, ethnocentrism restricts the ability to appreciate diverse perspectives and alternative ways of life.
Isolation: It can lead to cultural isolation, preventing meaningful interactions and exchanges between different groups.
Moral Distortion: Ethnocentrism often involves applying one's cultural definitions of good and bad universally, disregarding the unique historical and social contexts of other cultures.
Historical Bias: Some scholars argue that ethnocentrism has shaped social sciences in ways that favor Western perspectives, making it difficult to accurately study non-Western societies.
Colonial Legacy: Ethnocentric views have historically justified colonialism and oppression by portraying certain cultures as less "civilized".

Cultural relativism, which encourages understanding cultures within their own contexts rather than judging them by external standards, is often presented as an alternative to ethnocentrism and truly boils down to the lies of racial superiority and racism in general where one claims they are superior or chosen above all others. Such things we cannot and should not tolerate or abide by.

Aspects of Self: A Linguistic and Cultural Examination

Throughout history, the nature of human identity—both physical and spiritual—has been misrepresented, reshaped, or misunderstood. Many original meanings have been altered through cultural shifts, linguistic evolution, and ideological manipulation. Some concepts have been romanticized or distorted, while others suffer from poor etymological interpretation, leading to confusion or misrepresentation and a feature within the concepts of Wights seldom appreciated.

Core Concepts of Being and Identity: 8 Primary Aspects of the Soul/Self

Kuik (Quick) – To enliven, empower, and set into motion; an animating force behind action.
Wiht (Wight) – The essence of life, being, or sentient existence, including spiritual entities.
Diht (Dicht) – Thought and memory, encompassing reflection and awareness; often generalized as mind.
Wita (Wits) – Intelligence, perception, and comprehension—the ability to know and understand.
Wilio (Will) – The force of desire, intent, and determination, shaping individual actions.
Líkan (Likeness) – Appearance, reflection, and self-image—how one is perceived in the world.
Luk (Luck) – The fortunes or omens influencing fate, whether good or ill.
Twingānger (Twin-goer/Double-goer) – A shadow or apparition, akin to a Doppelgänger or Vardøger. This spiritual projection often precedes a person's physical arrival, leading witnesses to believe they encountered the individual before they actually arrived.

Spirit Guardians: The Original Familiars

Originally considered gifts from the divine, these beings were later demonized in medieval texts, often reinterpreted as deceptive entities serving darker forces. Where earlier traditions portrayed these spirits as fluid and ever-changing, later propaganda restricted their forms to creatures symbolizing witchcraft, poison, or the night—such as dogs, cats, crows, owls, bats, snakes, and toads. As to the various concepts of such things, we can break them down into some known and obscure concepts that often overlap as a result of time and lost connections with such concepts for better or worse.

The Spiritual Attendant and Protector

Thegan (Thane) – Follower or attendant, also called Folgar (masculine) or Fylgia (feminine), often shape-shifting into human or animal forms.
Vörðr (Warder, also spelled varð) – A guardian spirit, present from birth to death, sometimes appearing as a light or apparition. Varðlokkur (sometimes spelled varðlokka or varðlokkr) occurs in the Eyrbyggja saga, refers to a ritual chant or song used to attract and "locks" or binds guardian spirits to provide protection. The song itself was never recorded; or at least no known prior, hymnal or song is known.

Spiritual Guides and Their Role in Indigenous Traditions

Across ancient cultures, similar spiritual concepts emerged—guiding spirits that assisted elders, guardians, and chosen individuals in their journey between the physical and spiritual realms. These beings were believed to:

Provide protection, wisdom, and healing.
Teach individuals how to access their inner power.
Help transform and manifest new forms as extensions of oneself.

The lines between one's guardian spirit and one's own spiritual projection blurred over time, leading to confusion in interpretation. However, their function remained clear: to guide, protect, and empower.

Expanded Roles and Influence

Shaping Destiny – Guardians were not passive observers but active participants in a person's fate, often warning, advising, or influencing key events.
Dream Communion – Many elders believed that spiritual guidance frequently came through dreams, offering messages, warnings, or insights.
Echoed Presence – Spirits could reflect elements of an individual’s personality, strengths, and destiny, appearing in symbolic or animal forms.

Spiritual Manifestations and Their Influence on Fortune

Guardian spirits were often associated with luck and fortune, determining an individual's success or failure. The word "Luk" (Luck) carried the dual meanings of fate and omen, reinforcing the idea that these spirits shaped events through blessings or warnings.These beings were seen as balancers, adjusting fortunes based on harmony or disharmony within one's path. This concept persisted through folklore, though medieval revisions stripped it of its original depth, reducing guardians to simple omens rather than active guides.

The Shadowed Companion and Echoed Presence

Some traditions spoke of phantom echoes—a spiritual projection of an individual moving about when they were absent, an extension of the Twingānger phenomenon. These shadows—also known as Shades—could include the lingering presence of the deceased, sometimes appearing to offer guidance, warnings, or glimpses of events yet to unfold.

In tracing the linguistic and cultural heritage of ancient traditions, we uncover a profound understanding of self—one deeply interwoven with spiritual guidance, fate, and transformation. These aspects of identity, often dismissed or misrepresented, reveal the intricate connections between mind, will, and the unseen forces that shape existence. Through restoring clarity to these forgotten concepts, we reclaim a deeper, unfiltered truth about human nature: one guided by unseen companions, rooted in wisdom, and ever-evolving across generations.