Letter from the Founder 

The Ancient Ways Incorporated is the culmination of a dream shared by both myself and my Dragonfly (co-founder) individually and, for the last four years, collectively. When we first became a couple, our ultimate plan was to build something not just for ourselves but for all of the community.

We joined a community where, we believed, our dream would be nurtured and the community in which we belonged would assist us in the fruition of that dream. Unfortunately, due to ideological differences and the fact that the community that we had chosen had an agenda which did not facilitate our needs and desires, we sadly had to leave.

It must be stated clearly, that this “The Ancient Ways Incorporated” is not in competition with aforementioned community and that there is no association or affiliation with said community or organisation other than an expression of good will.

I have noted over the years, as a community advocate, a qualified social worker and youth worker that those who walk an alternative path to the main stream religions are left in a precarious and somewhat unsavory position.   From my own experience, I believe it extremely hard when in need to go ‘cap in hand’ to a charity or service which is fundamentally Christian based. Not that I am under-mining in any way the great humanitarian work that organisations such as St. Vincent de Paul , Salvation Army, Smith Family, Anglicare and their ilk do. Rather it can be quite difficult to approach a charitable organisation for assistance especially when their credo, ethos and religious beliefs are totally different to your own. Personally, I find it very soul defeating to swallow ones pride and go as a beggar to those who harbor at the very least reservations about your spirituality.

Many alternative spiritualists go to these organisations for assistance and decide “silence is golden” and choose not to reveal their paganism, heathenism or alternative faith as to avoid scrutiny, rejection and/ or the sometimes usual “God Spiel” as to gain that assistance. I do not judge this as wrong but feel it is an unfortunate and sad situation to be placed in; to have to deny our own TRUTH as to acquire greatly needed support or assistance when we or our family is in need.

Fortunately within the alternative spiritualist community especially here in South Australia there are those people who selflessly go out of their own way to offer support to others within their own community. People like my own Dragonfly who would willingly give “the shirt off her own back” if she thought it was needed.  There are many in our society, who actually CARE about their fellow human beings. Many who actually CARE about their Kith, Kindred and fellow Alternative Spiritualists and Pagans.

Given the opportunity there are those in our community who will offer more than sending just healing prayers and lighting candles.

The Ancient Ways Inc. will provide support, advice, and pastoral care for Pagans in the community especially families and to set up a network of support services targeting families in crisis.

We will give back to the community through the charity arm that fundraises and takes collections of non perishable foodstuffs, household items and clothing, Social welfare work through qualified workers, and a residential care program for children with disabilities and/ or social disadvantage.

We will work towards spiritual growth both individually and communally by sharing and discussing ideas and beliefs. The Ancient Ways will be an inclusive community that embraces all paths and accepts all beliefs.

We will endeavour to be more environmentally conscious, to respond to the environmental challenges in all areas with special focus on the needs of the local community, develop strategies in cooperation with other organisations enhancing the wellbeing and flourishing of all life  and performing a service to the Earth by learning to live more sustainably on the Earth.

The Ancient Ways Inc. will focus on the Education, Health, Welfare and Spiritual Growth of the Children and the welfare of the Family Unit. We will therefore endeavour to protect the rights of Children and the Family Unit.

Help us fulfill this dream and make it a reality. Please consider joining us. Only YOU can make the difference.

                               Co-Founder

                 Reverend Michael Lee-Price [MiC]

                 The Ancient Ways Incorporated

                      ~ The Call of Our Ancestors ~

                Wednesday, January 24, 2007