The Awen

     If you are a Druid, wanting to become a Druid, or are just curious about us, you've heard the word awen used. If you're new, awen, loosely translated from Welsh, means flowing spirit or flowering inspiration. Awen is an opening of one's self, soul, or essence in order to truly see everything for what it is and for what is hidden. When we are truly open, we can receive divine gifts, and our inspiration can flow. In order for awen to exist, we must form a relationship -whether that be with nature or a deity. When we release ourselves into the flow of awen we can find ourselves immersed in enlightenment and inspiration. Awen is an awareness - something that is not only on a physical or mental level, but one that connects to your very essence or soul. 

    The Welsh tale of Cerridwen and her cauldron (linked here) tells of three drops of awen falling onto Gwion's finger and giving him wisdom in poetic form, the gift of prophecy, and shapeshifting.  Though Gwion's new gifts were short-lived, as he was swallowed by Cerridwen, he was reborn as the greatest Bard the world will ever see - Taliesin. 

    Taliesin wrote of the awen in one of his poems:

    

I shall sing of the awen, which

I shall obtain from the abyss

Through the awen, though it were mute

I know of its great impulses

I know when it minishes;

I know when it wells up;

I know when it flows;

I know when it overflows. 

- Taliesin, "The Festival" from the Book of Taliesin

       When opening or closing rituals, many Druids choose to chant or sing the awen. When done this way, it is drawn out and given three syllables making it sound like ah-oo-wen. 

    The symbol of awen was designed by the 18th-19th century Druid revivalist, lolo Morganwg. It is made of three lines falling to the left, center, and right. Modern Druidry incorporates the original source point of three dots - seen as either drops from the cauldron of Cerridwen or points of light. Modern Druids interpret the lines differently, seeing the them as relating to either earth, sea, and air, or body, mind and spirit, or love, wisdom, and truth. Some also believe that it is an inspiration for truth and without it, you cannot proclaim truth.  It represents the triple nature of the Druid path and the paths of Bard, Ovate, and Druid. The symbol may not be ancient, but it is widely used for Druids around the world.    

    The quest for awen is a quest for the very spirit of Druidry. Every Druid will see it differently and it often can bring together many paths. So, as you can tell, the awen isn't anything physical perse. It is something that flows within you and through you. Once you discover awen, you will realize that it is not just an experience, but a meditative and magical process.