Once every people in the world believed that trees were divine, and could take a human or grotesque shape and dance among the shadows; and that deer, and ravens and foxes, and wolves and bears, and clouds and pools, almost all things under the sun and moon, and the sun and moon, were not less divine and changeable. They saw in the rainbow the still bent bow of a god thrown down in his negligence; they heard in the thunder the sound of his beaten water-jar, or the tumult of his chariot wheels; and when a sudden flight of wild duck, or of crows, passed over their heads, they thought they were gazing at the dead hastening to their rest; while they dreamed of so great a mystery in little things that they believed the waving of a hand, or of a sacred bough, enough to trouble far-off hearts, or hood the moon with darkness. All old literatures are full of these or of like imaginations, and all the poets of races, who have not lost this way of looking at things, could have said of themselves, as the poet of the Kalevala said of himself, ‘I have learned my songs from the music of many birds, and from the music of many waters.’

Ideas of Good and Evil (1903)
by William Butler Yeats
The Celtic Element in Literature

In our Coven, various spirits and entities fulfill distinct roles and possess unique characteristics. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between genii loci, ancestral spirits, the “Mighty Dead,” and the “Old Ones”:

Genii Loci

Genii Loci are “Spirits of Place” tied to specific locales, whether natural elements like trees and rivers or human-constructed places like buildings. They safeguard and nurture the energy of their designated spaces. To honor and gain insights from these spirits, we perform rituals and offer tributes, fostering a reciprocal relationship that deepens our connection to our environment.

Ancestral Spirits

Ancestral Spirits represent the souls of departed relatives or those connected by lineage. They provide protection, wisdom, and support to living family members. We honor these spirits through altars, offerings, and rituals, especially during significant occasions like Samhain, seeking their guidance and blessings while honoring their enduring legacy.

The Mighty Dead

The Mighty Dead are revered past practitioners and leaders of our craft who continue to influence our tradition. They serve as spiritual guides and custodians of wisdom and power. During rituals, we invoke their presence for guidance and strength, drawing on their ability to inspire and assist us in our magical practices.

The Old Ones

The Old Ones are primordial beings of creation, predating the elements of nature. They embody the forces of creation, destruction, and change. Approached with deep reverence, they are invoked in significant rites to connect with the elemental forces of the universe, enriching our spiritual practices by aligning with these ancient energies.

See also the information on our page at The Genii Loci for examples on including these into your personal workings.