“Our gentle friend asks “Where is my place in the Cosmos?

Who am I?”

Gentle Creatures Wisdom Deck

Introduction

Back in February I was asked by a friend about my spiritual identity. This was part of a much longer conversation. Which went into many things including the terms we use to describe ourselves and others.

I’ve never really given this much thought, so I was caught off guard by the question. I did answer her, though the conversation stayed with me. We were talking about the labels we use to describe ourselves but more so, about those others give to us. At the time my answer addressed this topic, which was that, I didn’t feel I needed to attach my identity to a title/label. I have a number of reasons for avoiding attachment to labels.

The Name Game

In general I don’t tell people about my spiritual path unless they ask. This is my personal choice. It’s more for their benefit than mine as previous experience has taught me most run in the opposite direction, never to be seen again. When asked I tell people I’m Pagan. It’s easier than saying Celtic, green traditional folk magic, druidry, lightworker, practitioner. Pagan is an umbrella term which also doesn’t quite cut it. I’ve never found a term that correctly describes my spiritual path and my possible identity. I say possible as I don’t think spiritual identity is tied to our choice of path but I’ll write more about that in later paragraphs. I could use the term ecclectic to describe a mixed spiritual approach but I don’t like this either. Plus I have to ask “why do I need a label?”

Labels can either help or hinder. Our minds can become attached to a statement making us feel like we can’t move beyond it. “I can’t do this because I’m that,” We could become ridgid and inflexible. In this regard it stifles our souls growth and prevents expansion.

I know as humans we like to label all manner of things including ourselves. It helps us to understand our world better. Quite often though I find when it comes to certain topics they’re used in a negative light, brandished as weapons. Spiritual snobbery its root cause. I’m reminded of a quote here, “It’s not what you say, it’s what they hear.” I’ve come to learn when people refuse to communicate effectively and pass judgement without asking questions. Their minds are closed. It’s not up to me to justify myself. Their reaction is not a measure of my self worth.

What is Spiritual Identity?

There’s a tendency to think our ‘spiritual identity’ is whatever path we choose to ascribe to. We say things like I am Pagan, I am Wiccan, I am Christian, Buddist…

…but I feel it goes beyond these statements.

How many people have at one time followed one path but then completely changed to another. Or combined two seemingly different paths into one. I suggest it’s not the path which is the identifying factor and this is why.

After a brief search I have found definitions of ‘spiritual identity’ to be lacking. On a one-dimensional level they scratch the surface of what I feel it means. Words often used are “being joyful, love” and in some cases aligned to a particular tradition. The vast majority of results that transpire refer to Christianity, God and the Bible. (Just for the record, there is nothing wrong with Christianity). For me however, the above words are not what ‘spiritual identity’ is, nor does the world revolve around Christianity as the internet would like me to believe. The best definition I’ve found is this:

a persistent sense of self that addresses ultimate questions about the nature, purpose, and meaning of life, resulting in behaviors that are consonant with the individual’s core values.

Unknown

As this quote states, at it’s heart I believe ‘spiritual identity’ relates to our values or what might be called our ethics. Those beliefs that we hold about ourselves and do our best to embody on a daily basis. I’m not referring to the practice of a religious or spiritual path. What I mean, is our core values as a person which drive our engagement with the world. By giving some thought to our beliefs and morals this provides a set of guiding principles which directly influences our identity and therefore our spirituality. This is not to say our Spirituality can’t influence our values, I believe one can influence the other. But it’s our personal ethics and morals which are the ultimate guide.

By personal values I’m referring to such attributes as; honesty, integrity, accountability, resourcefulness, kindness, compassion. I feel these morals help set our internal compass and are our ‘true North’. Coupled with spiritual or religious paths that call us and the search for a meaningful life, we become spiritually aware, engaged at a deeper level of existence. As we grow and blossom our values can and do change.

Many people claim to be religious but do they truly understand what that means? I feel one can be religious but spiritually dead inside and I feel religion is meaningless without spirituality. For example, a person could go to church at the weekend but behave completely contrary the rest of the time or another may gatekeep other practices. Both claiming to be religious and spiritual. But how can they be awakened to a sacred life and spiritually aware if both say one thing but don’t follow it through? This is what I mean by being spiritually dead. The actions are contrary to the words. Being spiritually alive, truly awakened to the conciousness of the Cosmos, with a set of personal values led by the heart. The soul opens to an ever changing path of growth and what might be called “spiritual enlightenment.” Being spiritual could be seen as connecting to source on a daily basis in some way. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures. Living according to ones own morals and spiritual beliefs, encompasses not only our Soul but our entire being. It filters down through every action we take, through every aspect of life. Not just on certain days or only with those to whom we connect on a more intimate basis.

Acting on a set of guiding principals or morals, interacting with and connecting our soul to what we feel is source. Seeking answers to some of the existential questions such as “Where is my place in the Cosmos? Who am I?” It’s this which gives personal context and a framework to build our ‘spiritual identity’. It’s then for ease of relating to others or gaining acceptance in a particular practice or tradition, we say I’m Buddhist, Christian, Wiccan, Pagan…

Your guidance is divinely guided

Conclusion

Our spiritual path is made up of multiple potentials. The trick is to let go and allow ourselves to be guided by the Universe. Our soul is so much more than the labels we or others choose to bestow. We shouldn’t be afraid of changing our ethics or our spiritual framework if we feel we’ve outgrown elements of them. Thus seeking to become a better version of ourself. Our path may change, our realm may change but our values along with the Cosmos are our constant guide.