The Order of Scáthach

 

The Order of Scáthach

The Order of Scáthach is a Wiccan order of Knighthood founded by Wiccan author Kerr Cuhulain in October 2007 and incorporated as a society in the province of British Columbia on 29 January 2010.  Scáthach has evolved into a Wiccan tradition embracing the Warrior philosophies as outlined in Kerr’s books Wiccan Warrior, Full Contact Magick and Magickal Self Defense.   The Order of Scáthach embraces the concept of chivalry and focuses on empowerment, creative expression and effective magick.     The Order of Scáthach is a study group for people interested in Wiccan magick, energy work and rituals related to the Warrior path.  We are constantly developing new rituals, and magick and studying our philosophy.  All members are expected to participate and contribute. 

The Order of Scáthach is named for Scáthach nUanaind, the daughter of Ard-Greimne of Lethra.  Scáthach (“shadow” – pronounced “skya”), also known as Scáthach Buanand (“victorious shadow”) is the most famous of female Warriors in Celtic mythology.  Living on the Isle of Skye (which is named for her), Scáthach ran a martial training academy at which all of the principal heroes of Celtic myth were trained.  Her most famous pupil was Cúchulainn, who is the warrior hero that influenced Kerr Cuhulain’s choice of magickal name. 

To members of Scáthach, the term “Knight” is not an honorific title.  We take our Wiccan religion, our magick and our Magickal Weapons seriously.  We don’t dress up in Medieval armor and stage tournaments with Medieval weapons:  Many people involved in organizations such as the Society for Creative Anachronism engage in such activities and no doubt have a lot of fun doing it.  We certainly don’t have a problem with that.  However, the Order of Scáthach isn’t attempting to re-enact or relive ancient battles.  For us this is serious business.  While we Knights of Scáthach do have a common “uniform” for public events (a black karate gi with the Scáthach logo on the back and a colored belt to indicate the wearer’s degree), we don’t wear Medieval armor or robes.  We do study ancient weapons, but they are inexpensive weapons that can be used in today’s fast paced world:  Sticks and blades used in Filipino Escrima/Arnis as well as the Japanese bo or quarterstaff.  We are forging a new Warrior tradition.  We are finding ways to be Wiccan Warriors in today’s world.  The Order of Scáthach links itself to the past through incorporating traditions in our rituals, in order that the triumphs of our ancestors may inspire us to greater achievements in the present.  However, when it comes to modern magickal or energetic work we want effectiveness, not anachronism.  What we do is what we’ve found that works.  We are modern magickal Warriors.

This makes for an interesting mixture of traditions and techniques from various cultures in Scáthach rituals and initiations that may raise the eyebrows of those who strive to keep things “culturally pure.”  This doesn’t disturb us in the least.  Today’s world doesn’t need “cultural purity” and the intolerance that entails. 

The Order is based in Surrey, British Columbia.  Preceptories are starting up in other cities (Seattle, Washington).  Training is available at these locations or on line.

 

 For more information on the founder of this Order, check out the document below:

 

Wannabes and Warriors

There seems to be two groups of people out there.  There are those who want to be Knights and there are those who want to tell people that they are Knights.  Those in the first category dedicate themselves to the precepts and code of chivalry and through hard work and discipline become Knights.  I recognized these two groups when I wrote the “Challenge” at the beginning of our Armoring ritual.  The Challenge reads:

 

“I can see in some of your eyes that haunted look that tells me that you’ve been victims.  You’ve been set upon, bruised, harassed, suffered setbacks.  That’s a terrible thing.  But if you came to this place to claim the title “Victim” and expect to have us feel sorry for you, then you’ve come to the wrong place.  You may as well turn around and leave.  Yet if you came here to empower yourself, to take charge of your life, to say “Never Again!”, then you are very welcome.  We Warriors are here to show you how.

 

“And some of you have that inward look which tells me that you don’t like what you see when you look in the mirror.  You consider yourself weak or flawed or insignificant.  That’s a difficult thing to deal with, to be sure.  But if you came here to rub shoulders with us Warriors, hoping that you’d gain some respect or honor by association only, then I suggest you get lost.  We’ve no time for that.  But if you’ve come here to reinvent yourself, to rise from your own ashes like the Phoenix, to be glorious, then you are very welcome indeed.  We are here to witness your triumphs and cheer you on.

 

“And some of you have fear in your eyes.  You’ve found the world to be a chaotic and dangerous place.  But if you came here hoping that we Warriors will stand between you and that scary world, then think again.  Yet if you came here to stand shoulder to shoulder with us, face your fears and not back down, then you’ll find yourself amongst friends.  We Warriors are here to stand with you and watch your back.

 

“...There are no passwords that will get you through life.  What you need to enter here is not a secret.  To enter this Circle you need to bring seven things:  Loyalty, Justice, Sincerity, Courtesy, Compassion, Courage and Honor.  If you have these, then enter and take your places around the Circle.”

 

The reason that I wrote that Challenge was because of people in the second category:  People who wish to call themselves Knights but aren’t willing to make any effort to earn that title.  The Order of Scáthach is not a place for “victims” to seek sympathy and feel sorry for themselves.  The Order of Scáthach will not be used by people who want to sit around on their ass and wave a membership card around to impress others.   The Order of Scáthach is sworn to defend but has little patience for members who won’t make an effort to defend themselves. 

 

The Order of Scáthach isn’t a club, it is an order of Wiccan knighthood.  It isn’t for wannabes, its for Warriors.

 

 

What People Are Saying About The Order of Scáthach Site:

 

Wiccan Author Barbara Ardinger:  “That's a terrific site! It's very clear who and what a warrior really is.”

 

Wiccan Author Christopher Penczak:  “Very cool Kerr. I wish you many blessing with your work in Scathach!”

Sunny:  “Hurray for modern magicians and folks who aren’t afraid to realize our connection to the Divine doesn’t have to be shrouded in dust and obscured by anachronistic trappings!  I look forward to continuing to hear more about what you’re doing up there!”

Laura: “Congratulations. The site is well-organized and informative, a refreshing change amongst Craft groups!”

Troy:  “I am glad to see this, too many of our brothers and sisters only see the fluffy side of things.  This will mean a lot to those of us that server our countries and people through the military and law enforcement.”

Casey:  "Wow!  I love your website!  You have done a great job.  It's very, very informative.  I have just started to learn Chi Gong and will try to incorporate it into my rituals.  I believe it will make a big difference.  Thank you so much for sharing this with me."

Windwalker (Preceptor General, Officers of Avalon):  You are definitely answering a call to service and filling a strong need in the community.

Ray Sweeney, National Co-ordinator, Pagan Federation Ireland (8th Dan Instructor- Bujinkan Niji Dojo Ireland):
As I was researching a talk on Celtic mythology, I happened upon the Order of Scathach's website.  Very interesting stuff, and coming from a good place.  I've long thought the martial arts and physical self defence should be taught alongside more traditional Pagan practices,if only for historical accuracy.

I live in Co. Kildare, Ireland, a short distance from the Hill of Allen, hunting home of Na Fianna, where the Warrior Spirit is still strong.

Asking a Deity for protection without having bothered to learn the basics oneself is an abdication of personal responsibility,
in my opinion, and is a prime example of "couch potato Paganism".

I teach self defence in my associated Pagan groupings, and I teach Pagan ethics in my martial arts classes :-)

Keep up the good work