WHAT’S MY NAME?

by contemplativeinquiry

It is September. I am thinking about my Druid name Muin (blackberry). The plant is flourishing as it always does when given half a chance. But the fruits are less plentiful now and fairly small: thin pickings for the wayside walker. In the human world, we have largely moved on to the making of jam and wine from our existing harvest.

Today, I am thinking about my psychic and imaginal connection to Muin, and why I am standing by this name. For me, a Druid name is neither an alter ego nor a simple add-on to my other names. It is the name that calls me into my Druid identity and practice. In this context, I ask myself: as Muin, who am I? what do I stand for? who might I become? As I asked these questions in an imaginatively opened state, these lines came up. In a way, I believe, Muin is talking to James, whilst being an aspect of him (me) and anyone else who wants to listen.

Muin is my name.

I am blackberry:

bramble, fruit and wine.

I have deep roots

unseen by the outward eye.

I run riot underground.

I am an ogham letter,

Linked to ancient knowledge,

And bearer of underworld wisdom.

I am a guardian,

My barriers and boundaries

Snare the unwary.

Protecting great treasures

They sharply test

The unprepared.

Lucifer fell on me,

Hurled from high heaven.

Rough landing indeed.

But the heaven-referenced war

Of this light-bearer outcast

Is not my concern.

I am fruit of the fair folk,

Crushed for your drink,

As an offering to you:

A gateway to Seership

If you dare accept me

At the right time.

I am blackberry:

bramble, fruit and wine.

Muin is my name.