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A Student’s Interview with Lora O’Brien
In the realm of contemporary Paganism, few names resonate as deeply with the essence of Irish spirituality and magic as Lora O’Brien. As a student profoundly drawn to the rich tapestry of Ireland’s ancestral wisdom, I recently had the honor of engaging Lora in a discussion that transcended the boundaries of time and place, offering insights into the life and practices of a modern Draoi.
✨Guest Post by Shauna McCormack
The Essence of Being a Draoi
Lora O’Brien is not one to fit neatly into the conventional molds of spirituality. Rejecting the label of witch or modern druid in favor of her native term Draoi, she embodies the ancient roles of druid, wizard, magician, augur, and diviner.
But for Lora, this title is much more than a mere designation; it signifies a deep, living connection to the indigenous spirituality and magic of Ireland. Through her work, the wisdom of the ancestors breathes and shapes the world anew.
A Unique Blend of Magic and Divination
Lora’s practice diverges from the stereotypical images of witches and wizards. Instead of tarot cards or spellbooks, she finds her guidance through Journeying to the Otherworld and employs traditional tools like Ogham staves and the 3 Stone method.
Her approach is a testament to the depth of Irish magical practices, rooted in the ancient, yet ever evolving alongside her own journey – very much an organic growth rather than anything reconstructed.
Draoi: A Journey to Self-Discovery
Lora’s path to becoming a Draoi was as natural as it was inevitable, sparked by an early fascination with the myth and magic encapsulating Ireland’s stories and a profound respect for nature.
Identifying as Pagan at the age of sixteen, she embarked on a journey of discovery, learning, and eventually teaching, what it truly means to connect with the land and its ancient practices. Her evolution from a seeker to a guide has not only transformed her life but also the lives of those she reaches.
Lora has recently achieved a Master’s Degree in Irish History. As co-founder of the Irish Pagan School, and founder of both the Ogham Academy and the Morrigan Academy, as well as author of 7 books [Most Recent Here]… Lora takes her role as Educator and Guide very seriously.
This can especially be seen in the time and effort she puts in – along with her partner Jon O’Sullivan – to create a truly vast array of authentic resources in multiple accessible formats… All completely free!
🔗[Get a Year’s Free Resources Here]
The Role of Community for a Draoi
Despite most often working solo in personal practice, Lora emphasizes the critical role of community in the practice of native Irish spirituality.
From physical gatherings at sacred sites to fostering an online community for those far from Ireland’s shores, her work builds bridges between the past and present, offering a space for connection and shared learning.
Magic in the Modern World
Lora’s visibility as a practitioner has brought her into contact with a wide array of beliefs about magic, besides her own Irish Witchcraft practice.
She advocates for a realistic understanding of modern magic as a tool requiring personal effort and integrity, challenging misconceptions and guiding those drawn to her teachings towards a deeper, more meaningful practice. [Take Her Foundation Class Here]
The Spiritual Landscape of Ireland
Open about her beliefs from a young age, Lora has witnessed the changing tides of spirituality in Ireland.
As traditional institutions lose their hold – she refers to the catholic church as Ireland’s second coloniser, anhd a criminal cult – she notes that there’s a visible shift towards exploring and embracing Ireland’s spiritual and magical heritage.
Lora’s experiences reflect a society increasingly open to diverse expressions of faith and spirituality.
Beyond the Draoi Path
My conversation with Lora O’Brien offered a window into the life of a Draoi in today’s world, highlighting the enduring relevance of Ireland’s ancestral wisdom.
For those of us on our own spiritual journeys, Lora’s words and work serve as a beacon, guiding us towards a deeper connection with the magic that flows through the land and its history.
Her dedication to teaching and preserving these traditions not only honors the past but also paves the way for future generations to discover their own paths within the rich landscape of Irish spirituality.
✨To help you walk this path, we provide free resources…
