I describe my-self as a mystic, because the term incorporates a variety of roles in a variety of cultures, within a variety of times; to describe the one thing we all did and do. Which is studying the mysteries of life.

Whether you identify as a shaman, animist, druid, witch, sorcerer, oracle, seer, starseed, indigo child or something else is inconsequential to me. You're a mystic if you're a student of the mysteries of life. Your experience is valid.

Personally I haven't had the privilege of learning about spirituality, magick and mysticism through relying on passed down traditions when I needed them. My lessons came through pain and intuition; like the shamans of old who were the origins of the traditions many rely on now. Only after my experiences, did I get the opportunity to study a variety of texts to give words to these experiences.

As expected, many of those who owned this knowledge told me to follow their path. They would breadcrumb their knowledge and place a condition on me before I was deemed worthy of learning their experience. These were the gatekeepers that would also shame someone for taking on a title like “shaman”. Saying some weren't ready or hadn't met the conditions of some authority (often their ego).

I have refused every time to kneel for someone who believes to be superior to me. And I have studied their ways regardless, because the mystery of life will bring its knowledge to you, regardless of the structures certain people built. Nature in all its forms is my teacher.

What I found is that we're all talking about the same thing, from different interpretations. And that learning from each other's interpretations, is what helped me to complete a few puzzles.

It's why I'm eternally grateful for those who gave me information for free, without conditions, and without telling me which title I could use. I gladly pay forward what they gave me, with my own twist added. Knowing how confusing it can be to find information and guidance after a mystic experience.

Releasing control of how your knowledge should flow to or from others is a show of faith. It's a show that you not only believe, but know that you're provided for through the interconnectedness of nature. It's how you show the mystery you embody.

Titles don't matter - it's your actions that show 2 things:

1. Life experience

2. Integration

Everything else is a narrative - one interpretation of an infinite omniverse.

So call yourself what you wish. What you show is what matters.

The journey has no destination, our directions vary, and our paths diverge, collide, and entangle. But the one thing we have in common is curiosity. Let that be your guiding light and follow your own way.