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Reclaiming My Roots: A Journey to Scotland and 
the Path of a Celtic Medicine Woman

By Dakota Earth Cloud Walker

I had reached a breaking point. The weight of burnout had pressed down on my spirit, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected. Within a single year, I had faced tremendous loss—my beloved dog, my dear Mom, relationships that no longer served me, and seismic changes in my work. I was exhausted, emotionally and spiritually. I needed a reset button, and the only place in the world where I felt completely at home was Scotland. Trusting my intuition, I booked a flight without a plan, believing that if I followed my inner guidance, I would find the path I needed. All I needed was to be open to listening.

 

As I landed in Edinburgh, a wave of familiarity and profound belonging washed over me. It was the same feeling I had experienced when I first stepped onto Scottish soil in 1999—a sense of coming home. My soul exhaled, and I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

 

My first week in Scotland was spent with Linda, a former student and dear soul sister of the heart. Linda, along with Lisa, another beautiful soul deeply engaged in powerful work, welcomed me with open arms. They knew I needed more than just a change of scenery; I needed to reconnect with the ancient spirit of the land and my ancestors. They took me to Dunadd Fort, a place steeped in history and spiritual significance.

Dunadd Fort, located in the Kilmartin Glen of Argyll and Bute, is an ancient hillfort that served as the ceremonial site for the coronation of the kings of Dál Riata, a Gaelic overkingdom that included parts of western Scotland and northeastern Ireland. This sacred site has witnessed the crowning of kings since at least the 6th century AD. The fort's summit features a footprint carved into the rock, where new kings would place their foot to symbolize their connection to the land and their ancestors.

 

The ceremony that Linda and Lisa led was a profound experience of reuniting my soul with the soil and spirit of Scotland. The weather was beautiful, as if the rain gods had taken a break just for us, blessing us with blue skies and warm air. It felt as though we had stepped into an alternate reality. When we arrived, the last of the visitors were leaving, and we had the sacred space entirely to ourselves. It was as if the universe had orchestrated this moment just for us.

Together, Linda and Lisa created a sacred circle, guiding me through a deeply moving ceremony. They held the space with such tenderness and strength as I placed my foot in the same worn footprint of my ancestors who had been coronated as Kings of Scotland and Ireland. I could feel their presence, their whispers carried on the gentle breeze, surrounding us in a protective embrace. It was a moment of profound reconnection, claiming the deep bond my family has carried for generations.

 

Linda captured the ceremony in a photograph, and to our astonishment, there was a distinct line down the middle, as if two different realms had collided. It was a powerful reminder of the thin veil between worlds, of the sacred space we had created. The sense of being in a different reality was palpable.

 

Collecting sticks to carve has become a cherished hobby of mine, and it became a running joke between Linda and me. At Dunadd, I found an old well, and peering inside, I discovered two sticks waiting for me—despite there being no trees in the immediate area. It felt like a gift from the land itself, a sign that I was on the right path.

 

That opening ceremony was transformative. It paved the way for the remainder of my trip, setting a precedent that from that moment forward, I would reclaim my role as a Celtic Medicine Woman. It was a declaration to the universe and to myself that I was ready to step into this sacred calling.

Throughout the days that followed, I immersed myself in the land, participating in rituals and deepening my connection with the spirits of Scotland. Each step, each ceremony, and each encounter reaffirmed my ancestral ties and the responsibility I carry as a Celtic Medicine Woman.

 

This journey has profoundly transformed my spiritual practice and personal life. Reconnecting with my ancestors has provided me with a sense of purpose and belonging that I had been yearning for. The lessons I have learned are numerous, but perhaps the most vital is the power of trust and openness. By listening to my inner guidance and being receptive to the messages from the land and my ancestors, I have found a deeper sense of fulfillment and direction.

 

Scotland has always been more than just a destination for me; it is a part of my soul, a thread woven into the fabric of my being. This journey was a true homecoming, a reminder that no matter where we are in the world, our roots and our ancestors are always with us, guiding us, and supporting us on our path.

 

As I reflect on my journey, my heart swells with gratitude for the experiences and the connections I have made. Scotland has once again renewed my spirit, reaffirming my path and reminding me of the deep, sacred connection I have to this land and its people. This journey has truly been a blessing, one that I will carry with me always as I continue to walk the path of a Celtic Medicine Woman.

 

May this story inspire you to trust your own inner guidance and seek the places and connections that will lead you home.

That opening ceremony was transformative. It paved the way for the remainder of my trip, setting a precedent that from that moment forward, I would reclaim my role as a Celtic Medicine Woman. It was a declaration to the universe and to myself that I was ready to step into this sacred calling.

 

Throughout the days that followed, I immersed myself in the land, participating in rituals and deepening my connection with the spirits of Scotland. Each step, each ceremony, and each encounter reaffirmed my ancestral ties and the responsibility I carry as a Celtic Medicine Woman.

 

This journey has profoundly transformed my spiritual practice and personal life. Reconnecting with my ancestors has provided me with a sense of purpose and belonging that I had been yearning for. The lessons I have learned are numerous, but perhaps the most vital is the power of trust and openness. By listening to my inner guidance and being receptive to the messages from the land and my ancestors, I have found a deeper sense of fulfillment and direction.

 

Scotland has always been more than just a destination for me; it is a part of my soul, a thread woven into the fabric of my being. This journey was a true homecoming, a reminder that no matter where we are in the world, our roots and our ancestors are always with us, guiding us, and supporting us on our path.

 

As I reflect on my journey, my heart swells with gratitude for the experiences and the connections I have made. Scotland has once again renewed my spirit, reaffirming my path and reminding me of the deep, sacred connection I have to this land and its people. This journey has truly been a blessing, one that I will carry with me always as I continue to walk the path of a Celtic Medicine Woman.

 

May this story inspire you to trust your own inner guidance and seek the places and connections that will lead you home.

Join Me on the Path of the Celtic Medicine Women, 
Opens October 2024