The Force Awakening: Star Wars, Druidry, and Finding Balance in Business and Life
As a long-time Star Wars fan and practicing Druid, I've been captivated by the concept of the Force since my early twenties.
While I was introduced to Star Wars fairly young, watching the VHS of the Original Trilogy, and seeing Episode I in theaters when I was just 10 years old. This fascination deepened when I later discovered Druidry and realized the striking similarities between its concepts of Awen and Nwyfre and the Force from Star Wars. It was as if the mystical energy that "binds the galaxy together" might actually be accessible in our own world!
Obi-Wan Kenobi's words have always resonated with me as the possibility for how to see life: "The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together." This description aligns beautifully with the Druidic understanding of the life force that flows through all of nature, connecting us to the world around us.
My journey into this realm of spiritual exploration began when I was 18, then extended through my work as a trauma therapist. I found myself drawn to practices that went beyond traditional therapy, seeking ways to tap into the deeper wisdom of the universe. This led me to become what I now call the Queer-Spirit Guide, blending my background in mental health with spiritual teachings and a dash of what some might call "woo."
The idea of balance within the Force has always intrigued me, particularly how it relates to our own lives and personal growth. While the Star Wars franchise often portrays division between the Light and Dark sides, I've come to believe that true wisdom lies in finding equilibrium between these extremes. This belief is at the core of my work as a transformational mentor and guide, helping visionary leaders and creatives embrace their authenticity and find this balance in their lives.
Codes to Live By: Star Wars and Druidry
Let's examine the three codes that have shaped the Star Wars universe alongside a central Druid prayer. The parallels between these philosophies are so interesting, and offer insights into our own spiritual journey and where we might be in relationship with our emotions.
First, let's consider the Jedi Code, representing the Light Side of the Force:
There is no emotion, there is peace.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
There is no chaos, there is harmony.
There is no death, there is the Force.
While this code embodies noble intentions, promoting peace, knowledge, and harmony, it also denies fundamental aspects of human nature by rejecting emotion and passion entirely. I’ve always taken an issue with the Jedi for trying to cut off relationships due to fear of attachment. Fear is still at play here!
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the Sith Code, representing the Dark Side:
Peace is a lie. There is only Passion.
Through Passion, I gain Strength.
Through Strength, I gain Power.
Through Power, I gain Victory.
Through Victory my chains are Broken.
The Force shall free me.
This code leans heavily into passion and power, promoting personal growth but at the expense of peace and balance. The Sith, as any Star Wars fan knows, tend to be on the violent side, leaning into their anger and promoting fear around them.
Now, let's consider the Je'daii Code, an early precursor to the Jedi philosophy that embodies a more balanced approach:
There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.
There is no fear; there is power.
I am the heart of the Force.
I am the revealing fire of light.
I am the mystery of darkness.
In balance with chaos and harmony,
Immortal in the Force.
Now this is what I’m talking about!!! This code acknowledges both light and dark aspects within ourselves, emphasizing the importance of finding balance. That “Immortal in the Force” piece really speaks to how when we find balance, self-awareness comes through, and we find ourselves part of a greater cosmic whole.
Now, let me introduce you to the Druid's Prayer, a flexible prayer that can be used by anyone, and the “divine power” substituted based on your beliefs. I first discovered this prayer in my early 20s, and it is, perhaps surprisingly, the only non-musical piece of text I have ever memorized word for word!
Grant, O Great Spirit/Goddess/God/Holy Ones, Thy Protection;
And in protection, strength;
And in strength, understanding;
And in understanding, knowledge;
And in knowledge, the knowledge of justice;
And in the knowledge of justice, the love of it;
And in that love, the love of all existences;
And in the love of all existences, the love of
Great Spirit/Goddess/God/Holy Ones/the Earth our mother,
and all goodness.
Isn’t it beautiful?
Comparing the Codes: Finding Balance and Wisdom
When we examine these codes side by side, we can see how the Druid's Prayer offers wisdom and structure rather similar to that found in the Star Wars codes. It makes me wonder if the writers in Star Wars were inspired at all by this prayer, given the Druid’s prayer has been around since 1862, while Star Wars has only been around since the 1970s.
Like the Jedi Code, the Druid's Prayer values knowledge and understanding. However, it doesn't reject emotion or passion. Instead, it recognizes the importance of strength, which could be seen as a parallel to the Sith Code's emphasis on passion and power. But unlike the Sith Code, the Druid's Prayer channels this strength towards understanding and justice, not personal gain.
The Je'daii Code's balance between light and dark finds its echo in the Druid's Prayer's progression from protection to strength, to understanding, to knowledge, to justice, and finally to love. This prayer acknowledges that our journey includes both the "revealing fire of light" and the "mystery of darkness" mentioned in the Je'daii Code.
Perhaps most importantly, the Druid's Prayer culminates in "the love of all existences," a concept that beautifully aligns with the Force as described by Obi-Wan Kenobi—an energy that connects all living things. This idea of interconnectedness is at the heart of both Druidry and the deepest understandings of the Force in Star Wars.
Yoda's wisdom speaks to this interconnectedness: "For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter." This perspective aligns beautifully with the Druidic view of the world as alive and filled with spirit, and of humans as spiritual beings having a physical experience.
But it’s as Ahsoka says, "In my experience when you think you understand the Force, you realize just how little you know." That’s why we must get curious, stay open, and witness how we relate to the Universe ourselves.
In my work as the Queer-Spirit Guide and CEO of Living LUNA, I strive to embody this balanced approach. I create spaces where people can explore all aspects of themselves—their light and their shadow—in a supportive environment. When we can love all of our existence, we can live with more authentic connection with ourself, others, and the universe at large.
Practical Applications: The Force in Everyday Life
This balanced approach isn't just philosophical—it has practical applications in our daily lives and even in business. By embracing both our light and dark sides, we become more whole, authentic individuals. We can make decisions that are informed by both logic and intuition, passion and serenity.
If you're intrigued by these ideas and want to explore how they can be applied to your personal and professional life, I invite you to join me at my upcoming talk at EntrepreNerd: "Awakening the Force Within: Harnessing Mindfulness and Nature's Wisdom for Better Business."
In this session, we'll delve into the parallels between the Force, Druidry's ancient wisdom, and mindfulness practices. You'll learn practical tools to bring more intention to your professional life, harness nature's wisdom in your decision-making, and create a business that's truly aligned with your values and goals.
Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or looking to take your established business to new heights, this talk will provide you with insights to awaken your inner Force and achieve success on your own terms. Join us to explore how finding balance with nature can lead to a more fulfilling and successful path in both life and business.
As we traverse this often unexpected life together, may we all remember that the Force—or whatever name you give to that universal energy—is always with us. By embracing balance and authenticity, we can tap into its power to create positive change in our lives and in the world around us.
As Chirrut Îmwe said, "I am one with the Force, and the Force is with me." May we all find that connection to a greater power or life force in our own lives!
May the Force be with you on your path to self-discovery and empowerment.
One With the Force,
Safrianna Lughna
The Queer-Spirit Guide
This month, I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge and share wisdom gleaned from my sabbatical, butterfly medicine, and more. Feel free to follow along if you want to learn more about my story! #UltimateBlogChallenge https://www.ultimateblogchallenge.com/
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