Druidry is Celtic, in that it came from the Iron Age culture of the Celtic Tribes. There is no Druidry that is not Celtic, to call it otherwise labels it as something else entirely. I feel to deviate from Celtic Pagan roots in the tradition of even modern Druidry is an injustice. I am not saying do not study other paths, but to integrate them into another system often times causes conflicting philosophies when put into practice. It is in my opinion, bad form when certain groups suggest a Roman Druidry, Norse or Wiccan Druidry, or even Celtic Wicca for that matter. To follow this path today means taking on the Celtic path with full responsibility for preserving the old. Being proud of our culture, its ancestors, and traditions, embracing them fully without need of romantic outside influence is a focus I feel more should be diligent in observing with their paths. Study and grow from all cultures, but celebrate one.
Weather or not our Druidry was inspired from an earlier Bronze or even Neolithic age is unimportant. I am suggesting that since we no longer live in fully agricultural society and we have been removed from “real nature” for countless generations. I would furthermore argue that our modern paganism & even Druidry is no longer really Celtic (because we no longer live as the Celts did) but instead Celtic in flavor, style, and attitude in heart & spirit. There is no dishonor in this since we are growing and evolving by meeting the challenges we face in our times with the spirit of who we are. This modern Druidry if you will, should still strive to be what it once was in some respects. In that the Druids who practice and celebrate this faith should not only acknowledge the past by studying and taking part in the social functions held by those educated; but also try and keep much of the folk customs alive. Doing this all the while embracing who we are and the current situations we are involved in, even on a global scale. Like the symbolism of the Janus head, a healthy attitude in looking forward to where we are headed as a spiritual path requires us to also embrace honoring our past, and letting go of preconceived notions of romanticism placed upon us by those of the 1700′s. We know we can never be or measure up to the real Druids of ancient times from what we read and study through legend, and myth; but this does not mean we can not become great Druids of our own kind to help, heal, and teach those about positive messages pertaining to the environment, family, culture, and the undying human spirit. I feel there needs to be more balance in the modern spirit of this Neo Druidic movement.
There is something to be said about tradition. In so far as that there are many groups and individuals who practice this philosophy of personal sovereignty, allowing the inspiration from nature and from within to be their only guides on the path. This almost carefree attitude of the tradition has no respect for real methodologies practiced and celebrated by our ancestors as well as what I am assuming a dying number of us today.
For example: Recently I had a conversation with a woman online about Inspiration. She made a post on her Facebook wall about being “washed in Awen”. Since I recently accepted her friend request and didn’t know her from beans, I decided to privately message her about the topic. I asked her if she knew of the many practical applications the Awen has, and those of a more traditional use. Her reply was short and said, “It’s elemental”. This is the exact point I am trying to make about many individuals and modern so-called Druids of today. They lack education of history, and experience of the tradition to know for themselves what these many subjects really are, & how they are used. I replied to her saying that there are many old traditions and even modern ones on the topics of Awen meditation and even its use of chanting for the direction of energy in such applications of healing to name but a few. Her response to this was she was not interested, as it is not necessary because of her view of personal sovereignty; In that each has their own right to be guided as they may. It is not that I don’t agree with this, but to only subscribe to this thought process I feel is missing much of what is available, especially in the terms of tradition and culture. I then replied to her comments saying, I didn’t think there was anything wrong in sharing traditional practical knowledge if growth is really the goal. I never heard back from her. Three days later I saw she was teaching classes on Druidry. This made me beyond irritated to have an uneducated person representing what should be the social function of an earned title through years of experience before guiding others in the tradition. So my guess is she read a few books, liked the surface of the nature based philosophy, and called herself a Druid. So with this logic, can I read a few books on law, or even medicine, and call myself a Lawyer or Doctor? Can I even study various books about boats and ships for many years never stepping on a vessel, and call my self a sailor because I have the knowledge but no experience? Furthermore can I read some random websites on Freemasonry, buy a ring from ebay and call myself a Master Mason? The answer you are waiting for is not No. The answer is Yes, because this is sadly what people are doing everyday! There is no dispute in any moral or ethical fiber in the worlds various cultures, that to pretend to be something you are not is not only hurting others, it is hurting the self. I am sure there will be many modern pagans that disagree and say that I am missing the point here, given the “spirit of tradition”. Again, it is not that I disagree, it’s is a double edged sword. We must allow room for growth, evolving, and meeting the needs of our times in the tradition of the path. Though to not have room for tradition, its practices and many practical applications that define the path we celebrate is the greatest problem we are facing in this rapid paced world of wanting instant everything. So by now most of might be thinking, what is a Druid then?
What is a Druid exactly?
I think it is good to define a few things like, what was a Druid long ago, what did they do? Also what is a Druid of today, and what do they do? For there are no easy answers and many shades of grey on this topic. One thing is always made up of many layers so it seems.
First let us look into antiquity for a moment to define the roots of this great tree. History teaches us that these people we call Druids were a social caste of sorts. Being a Druid was a job, much as it was a social role. For example today in the Jewish tradition the Rabbi is a educated man of his faith, a teacher, a philosopher and respected member of his community that people turn to; much was the same function of the Druid back then. One just wasnt a Druid, they had to be educated within the tradition, gain respect of the tribe, and be of service to their people through difficult times of war, death, famine, draught and survival.
Just as there are different people with different talents, each Druid back then and even now offers something personal to the path. Some are more inclined to focus their attention on herbal lore and healing, while others focus on Philosophy, Psychology and Priestly functions or even Entertainment and Music. We must remember that in ancient times these Druids were not these wise sage type wizards lurking around darken forest groves. They were in the community, and apart of the everyday life and culture much as is a Teacher, Lawyer, Doctor or Judge is today. These Druids were on the farm, in households, and cold be found teaching various schools of thought to the tribe at different times of the agricultural year.
Though, they are also said to have colleges of sorts for higher learning and training, that even Romans saught to send their young. Centers for learning were found throughout the Isles often times in secluded spots remaining away from villages. Perhaps from outside sources this is where the hermit type image of the Druid gains its confusion.
They held various social roles within their communities. Due to their education, they were the most elite of their people & thus were held with great respect having much authority in public matters. This can be seen in their roles as advisors to Kings. It is said many of them could speak various languages, and could write in them as well. They were Doctors, Professors, Teachers, Scientists, Astronomers, and some even taught the warrior class stratagey and battle techniques. They acted as Judges and Lawyers among the people to keep law, records, and settle disputes with a very detailed tradition of law some speculate drives from a Vedic root.
Within the education of the Druids path one began their studies with various bardic lessons of poetry, music, medicine, divination, magic, as well as countless other topics for 12 to 19 years before earning the rank or title of Druid. All of this education was to be memorized using many mnemonic techniques. Imagine for a moment every story you ever read, movie you watched, song your heard, commercial, and more being memorized. We are capable of many great things if we dedicate ourselves to the path of growth. They chose not to write their spiritual practices down for the preservation of memory being one of the most noble of causes to earning the respected title; That and to not have written religious documentation for the uneducated to obtain was also important.
You see, some feel that the Druid role might be a left over remnant from an earlier time period. Perhaps the Bronze or even the Neolithic culture? Where the wise men and women of their times were masters of their environment. They knew the forest for the trees. What was food, medicine & what was poison. What things could be used to build a home, tools, weapons, and even heal you. These wise people in later cultures that we call Druids from the Iron Age applied this earlier nature understanding to the seasons, and agriculture cycles in their time. Superstition surrounds anyone that has the understanding of time, tides, weather, and even how to mine and manipulate metal. Much how many of us today do not understand the computers we work on. Most of us do not know computer language, programing, or other roles of higher education such as quantum physics or mechanics. This is why we dub them “wizards”. They are in a class of their own, and controled information, communication, entertainment and the ebb and flow of the culture itself.
So, Druids today; who are we, what do we do, and what does it mean to be a Druid?
Sadly many of the Druids of today are not the most educated, especially on the history and traditions of their own spirituality. All too often, one reads a book, likes the title of Druid, and tells people they are one. This is a giant taboo for many reasons. It dishonors history of the ancient path, ones ancestors, and even the Gods themselves. You can call yourself anything you want, but that doesn’t actually transform you into the title you trying so hard to assume.
In our culture there are various types of Druids and Druidic movements. Everything from social clubs with no respect for the ancient culture that talk about sci-fi, to eclectic pagans celebrating modern Wicca calling it “Celtic”. Others claim a past to the 1700′s in the UK & celebrate a type of Bardo-Druidc revival. Depending on where you live, you might even see white clad robed figures lurking about stone circles calling them selves Druids. Confusing more so to those of us that know history, but not so much of those that belong to said Orders. Perhaps like the ancient Druids, it is best to be educated and know and grow from what sources we have in our times that trace root and are inspired from ways of old. Doing so to allow us to gain personal insight. I say read all you can from various authors, study and apply. Join covens, groves, orders and study the information they provide. Take classes at University, and try for a degree in something you feel applies to the path. Learn foreign languages, learn instruments, poetry, embrace other cultures learn and grow from them, as you celebrate the Celtic path with respect and honor. Do this in the spirit of progress for the Druid path.
Today Druids come from all walks of life. Some are modern hippies, vegitarian off the grid types, while others are professors and work in the field of education. Some are musicians and entertainers, and some Doctors. We must remember that, some of Druids of our time are trying to use the inspiration of the past to honor the spirit of today. The re-constructionists and other hardcore fundamental groups will no doubt have a problem with this. I argue what validity would practicing a pure strain of unbroken ancient Druid tradition have in our culture? What value would it have for us in achieving the goals that are beset upon us here and now? I do think both sides of the spectrum here have value, and one should not limit growth from any angle.
Most if not all Druids seem to have one thing in common, which is Nature. How it is involved and what each does within and for nature is different. Many place value on the earlier tradition, such as veneration of the ancestors, and of some facet of the spirit world. The rest depends on the tradition one follows.
For me, when someone asks what does it mean to be a Druid, a few topics arise. First and foremost I am inclined in my response to demonstrate that the social function of a Druid is a type of earned position through dedicated education. Albeit one that doesnt seem to have the value it once did due cultural differences. That without a tribe, a community, a class room by any nature, the Druid is just a regular person who has been educated in the tradition; or do I dare say, I hope has been; For the majority have not!
A Druid should aim to have a college degree, they should serve a community. Being able to teach, lecture, and hold legal rites of passage for those in need, after much education and self growth. The duty of service to a community where accepted they should embrace and dedicate themselves to, even if its only some minor workshops on topics to share. To live a certain lifestyle which allows for some freedoms from the norm is also wise. Since helping others often takes it toll on the self, having the freedom in schedule to retreat for rejuvenation often is overlooked but well advised.
I think one major subject that modern Druids often neglect is wilderness survival. Ancient and modern techniques of knowing the woods, making shelter, fire, foods, water, and even rescue. Tracking, traps, snares, hunting-fishing, the art and science of being a woodsmen. As the mass populous live in cities and suburban areas this wilderness knowledge might not be seen as important; I argue knowing how to stay alive in any surrounding is a valuable area of study. For is there a more spiritual relationship a Druid can have with Nature and even his/her students than not that of the minimal survivalist armed with nothing but his crane bag, teaching them how to survive? I think on the old words of wisdom; Tell me and I may forget. Show me and I may not remember. Involve me and I will understand. This tradition is a hands on get dirty in the garden tradition. You are the tree and you are also the gardener of your tree. Having said that, there is always a time to leave the Ivory tower and go on an adventure. Leave the books at home and apply the knowledge allowing yourself to also read nature.
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