What does it mean to follow "The Old Ways?" As we move into the second quarter of the 21st century, we are seeing less and less of this term. Popular in the eighties and nineties, we have seen a drastic drop in the usage of this term. But why should that be? Perhaps it is a backlash of many people who have used the term incorrectly in the past. Back when it was popular, it was used as a kind of "catch-all" phrase for Pagan traditions of all kinds. As well, it was used to define aspects of both Wicca and Witchcraft that often had very little, or nothing to do with the actual old ways. Instead, people were using it to justify a modern tradition, giving it a veneer of age and authenticity. Now that it has fallen out of fashion, is there still value to be had in the old ways?

I believe so. For only by looking and studying the past, can we plan for our future. From an academic, personal, and spiritual point of view, it is by informing our practice of what has gone before that leads to something that is deep and meaningful for us in this present moment.

It also helps us to stop making the same mistakes over and over again.

So how can we follow "The Old Ways" in our modern society now?

• Do some research on past cunningmen and wisewomen, those who worked with the land, who worked magic and charms, and who were a part of their community. Get a feel for what was important for them, and compare that with what is important today. How did they operate? Some were ethical, some were not. How can you take that knowledge and use it to better serve yourself and your community, with authenticity and integrity?
  
  
• Explore the folklore that is connected to the land where you live. There are always tales that contain the wisdom of how to live and work with the forces that surround you. You will find cautionary tales and tales of magic and wonder. All of these can inform you on your path.
  
  
• Look closely at your own ecosystem. Learn where your water comes from, where you get your food, how you sustain your household. Is that in accordance with the local environment? Can you go more local, consume more locally sourced goods and services, and be a sustainable part of the ecosystem as much as possible?
  
  
• Spend some quiet time getting to know yourself. With the abundance of modern distractions (mobile and cellular phones, I'm looking at you), we have every reason to not look at ourselves. If we get out of doors and into nature, and listen to the stories that are flowing all around us, we might learn something about our place in the world.
  
  
• Develop your practice. Work at it, put some effort into it. You may not meditate every day, but you can study and learn, and put that into action on a regular, if not daily basis. Do the work. Connect through ritual. Empower yourself with magic. That's why you are walking this path.
  
  
• If you are working with deity, look for a more personal connection. The gods for many in the past were real entities that were entreated, given offerings, loved and feared. What is your personal connection to deity? How can you strengthen those bonds?
  
  
• Look to the crafts and practices of your ancestors, or of the land where you now live. Are there folk and herbal remedies for certain ailments? Were there diviners in your area? Were there trance practices that were used, and if so, for what goal? Where I live in Suffolk, England, it is a place renowned for horse whisperers. Is there something that you can learn, and use in your own personal practice?
  
  
• Connect with the seasonal changes of where you live. Our ancestors worked with the cycles of the seasons, before the Industrial Revolution changed everything and people in masses moved to cities. How can you connect to the seasonal changes where you live? Do you have two, three, four, or even five seasons? Can you honour these in some form or other?
  
  
• Understand how the moon affects you and the land you live. Many of our ancestors also worked with the cycles of the moon. Paying attention to lunar cycles is something that modern gardeners are rediscovering, but this knowledge can be used for much more than just gardening! Understanding how the moon affects you and the land where you live can empower and help you to understand the lunar energies at play within and around you.

The joy of working in an earth-based tradition is that there is always something new to learn. Even if it is something old! We are constantly rediscovering old methods that are sometimes more effective than modern means. We are reconnecting with our landscapes, with our ancestors, and with ourselves when we take a moment to look back and see where we came from. Some things are certainly best left in the past, but there is still knowledge to be had from looking behind, as much as looking forward (if only to not repeat the same mistakes!).

Having a knowledge of The Old Ways can deepen your practice and your Craft. It can connect you on an entirely different level, often viscerally and in practical means, rather than simply thinking about an idea or concept. In the past, life was often about getting matters done, and not just thinking about it or watching others on television doing it. Often one had to make do for themselves, and this provided not only a sense of self-reliance, but also empowerment.

The past is an extremely important teacher. It helps us to move forward with honour and integrity. In my own Hedge Witch tradition, as well as in my Druid practice, I inform myself of the old ways so that I can better move forward and create sustainable, inspired new ways. Each day is an opportunity to learn something new (or old). The real craft lies in taking that knowledge and making it useful for today's society. There are so many ways that you can integrate both past and present learning in order to make your life more magical and meaningful.

Walking your talk is the way forward, and we can learn how to do that with a solid grounding in the old ways.