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| Image by Jayde Peddler |
Definition of VALOR: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery
Origin of VALOR: Middle English valour worth, worthiness, bravery, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin valor, from Latin valēre to be of worth, be strong.
First Known Use: 14th century
As I've stated before (and have many others before me): To know, to dare, to will, to keep silent. These are the ways of the witch.
Valor falls under "To Dare". The way of the witch (for me, and those I know and respect as witches) requires strength of mind, body and spirit as requisites for success. Many may argue against the strength of body, but I stand firm in that belief. When my body is not strong, my mind and spirit must compensate, and it creates an imbalance both within and without.
When performing spells, going to the dreaming lands, visualization, etc... one really must be prepared to encounter danger with firmness. The way of the witch and the way of the warrior are quite similar and the paths do not diverge much (in my opinion). The etymology of valor suggests worthiness in some way; and as witchcraft is a birthright, and a way which honors one's ancestors, it is only fitting that one uphold that birthright and ancestry with some amount of reverence for his/her worth.
The way of the witch is not for everyone. There is a quickening, a summoning from within one's genetic soul that asks if you will take up the call. The choice is given, and once made is irreversible... it is a geis, if you will. This is where one's mettle is tested. Do you have the valor (bravery, daring, strength) to respond? If so, you will forever be changed. If not, that's okay too. Perhaps the next generation will answer.
Valor is courage, dauntlessness, and heart. It IS to dare. To plunge into the unknown and come back with a new adventure-tale in one's personal Imramma (storyline). To dare, to be valorous, is where you live like you mean it.
This is our path.