My Celtic Journey

• Steps that I believe, I need to take to join the Community of Aidan and Hilda given by Paul Martin, via e-mail communication around October – November 2015. He serves as Guardian of the American Community.
• He welcomed me to the Aidan Way!
• Take vows in the Community of Aidan and Hilda in the USA. Which I understand is the beginning stages of exploration and commitment toward having a disciplined or rhythmic way of life, implementing a structure that flows with your life, which allows for me to enter into a closer walk with God. To enter into the chosen path that suits my temperament and allows me to be of use for my God. To be of use, by using my God-given gifts and talents. To also be discerning with the aid of my Anam Cara, those areas I need to face up too, and not avoid, fears to confront, values to attain, and mindful of things that may need to be laid aside for a season. These are achieved with the implementation of the Ten Elements of the Way.

• 1. Study and application of the Celtic Christian way. Daily Bible reading and the study of the history of the saints.
• 2. Spiritual journey-sharing in regular retreats and pilgrimage and meeting with a soul friend who can give guidance on the way. Having a regular set aside quiet day for silence.
• 3. Daily rhythm of prayer, work and rest. Making space for praying, around your family responsibilities. Welcoming work as a gift from God, and regarding rest as holy and creative.
• 4. Intercessory prayer. In a group and personally, being and affirming a worldview that recognizes the reality of the supernatural and of spiritual warfare.
• 5. Having a simplicity of lifestyle. Having a desire to give a percent of income. With the desire for simplicity, give up possessions that clutter up your home and your life.
• 6. Care for and affirmation of creation-affirming God, creation as essentially good, but spoilt by the effects of human sin and satanic evil.
• 7. Wholeness, not fragmentation encouraging the ministry of Christian healing and the laying on of hands.
• 8. Openness to the wind of the Spirit. Allowing God to take us as the Holy Spirit wills.
• 9. Unity and community. Looking upon fellow Christians not as strangers but pilgrims together.
• 10. Mission-evangelizing not simply out of senses of duty, but because the Spirit is giving us a heart for the lost and also speaking out for the poor, the powerless and those unjustly treated in our society.”
• Adaptation from Clive Price Article That is said to be quoted from Exploring Celtic Spirituality By Ray Simpson. Prince Clive, Cool To Be Celtic (Renewal Magazine, April 1999.)
• Or the Three Vows of Simplicity, Purity, and Obedience.
• I have an Anam Cara (Soul Friend)

The only requirement for joining the Community is to have a Soul friend in place. I asked for advice on finding one. I was sent our Inquirer Pack. Informed that my soul friend does not have to be a member of the community, or even know a lot about the Celtic Christian Way, but should be in sympathy with our approach, and be willing to support me as I follow it. Many people have a long-time friend (but not your spouse, if you are married!) who has in effect been their soul friend for years.

• I have two Anam Cara, who I meet with on a reasonably regular basis.
• What I believe to be  done next compose my personal Way of Life. (Given in Inquirer Pack) That is the main task for you in the Explorer stage, along with building a relationship of trust and accountability with your Anam Cara (soul friend).
• You asked about subs. The requested amount is $120 for Explorers, but if this is a hardship for you, it is not required. Our expenses are low. All contribute what they can – and for some, in the absence of money, that is your prayers, your enthusiasm, and your gifts.
• We also have a quarterly newsletter, called the Wild Goose, which is e-mail only.

These bullet points are the steps toward become connected with the Aiden and Hilda Community in the USA. They were given to me around a year ago with my enquiring about the process.

I was also given a wonderful gift of New Celtic Monasticism For Every Day People. Written by Ray Simpson.

So I believe my next step is to compose my rule of life or way of life.

I have put off taking the next step, distracted by life, highlighting the need for a focus, discipline, taking charge of my life, rather than life dictating my steps, but placing myself or surrendering myself into Gods best for my life. The reason for a Way Of Life is to be walking in God’s way rather than my own, or general pushed along by life’s circumstances.

Way Of Life

What does this look like?

A Rule for life that I have been focusing on for a number of years, but not certain if it falls under the scope of the Community of Aidan and Hilda. Is an acronym of the word L.A.W. = not law as we know it, of a legalistic system of consequences of punishment for our wrong actions by an authoritarian system. To yes, keep peace and order, but having no compassion in most cases having rigid rules that can’t be changed, but set in stone. This alternative L.A.W. for me is of being Loving, Accepting, and Welcoming, toward people and toward God. We also have to be mindful that God is this toward us, of being; Loving, Accepting, and Welcoming, having arms open to embrace us like a parent with a child. I have to be working toward having a daily rhythm of prayer, bible reading, etc. See above: The Ten Elements of the Way.