Argument FOR mage tower druid appearances for all. 255: 2356: 11 December 2020 How is balance druid? A Druid was a member of the priestly and learned class in the pre-Christian, ancient Celtic societies. These societies existed through much of Western Europe, until the Roman government took over and, later, Christianity arrived.
Druids occur in many mystical tales. In one, a Druid, Figol, threatened to bring fire to rage on his enemies and prevent the men and their steeds from going to the toilet! Their bodies would fill with urine! Of course, from our knowledge of the world today we know that this is impossible, but so many accounts of druids are riddled with mysticism, magic and possible exaggeration.
The origin of the word ‘Druid’’ is unclear, but the most popular view is that it comes from ‘doire’, an Irish-Gaelic word for oak tree (often a symbol of knowledge), also meaning ‘wisdom’. Druids were concerned with the natural world and its powers, and considered trees sacred, particularly the oak.
Druidism can be described as a shamanic religion, as it relied on a combination of contact with the spirit world and holistic medicines to treat (and sometimes cause) illnesses. They were said to have induced insanity in people and been accurate fortune tellers. Some of their knowledge of the earth and space may have come from megalithic times.
There is a lot of mystery shrouding the actual history of the Druids, as our knowledge is based on limited records. Druidism is thought to have been a part of Celtic and Gaulish culture in Europe, with the first classical reference to them in the 2nd century BC.
Their practices were similar to those of priests today, connecting the people with the gods, but their role was also varied and wide-ranging, acting as teachers, scientists, judges and philosophers. They were incredibly powerful and respected, able to banish people from society for breaking the sacred laws, and even able to come between two opposing armies and prevent warfare! They did not have to pay taxes or serve in battle. Druid women were also considered equal to men in many respects, unusual for an ancient community. They could take part in wars and even divorce their husbands!
One of the earliest accounts of Druids was written by Julius Caesar in 59-51 B.C. He wrote it in Gaul, where prestigious men were divided into Druids or nobles. It was from the Roman writers that historians have gained most of their knowledge of the Druids. Druids were polytheistic and had female gods and sacred figures, rather like the Greeks and Romans, but their nomadic, less civilised Druidic society gave the others a sense of superiority. This renders some of their accounts historically uncertain, as they may be tainted with exaggerated examples of Druidic practices. Druidic human sacrifice was recorded but there is no definitive evidence to support this.
Within the Druid class, it is believed that there were subsections, all with colour-coded robes. The eldest Druid, or one deemed to be the most wise, was the Arch-druid, and would wear gold robes. The ordinary Druids would wear white and act as priests. The Sacrificers would fight and wear red. The blue Bards were artistic, and the new recruits to Druidism completed lesser tasks and were held in lesser esteem, wearing brown or black.
All aspects of Druidism were well structured and ordered; from the hierarchy of the Druid class, to their pattern of life that followed nature’s cycles. They observed lunar, solar and seasonal cycles and worshipped according to these on 8 main holy days.
They would celebrate New Year on Samhain, the day that we refer to as Halloween (31st October). This was when the last harvest would take place and it was a day full of mysticism and spirituality because the living and the deceased were the closest to being revealed to each other than on any other day.
Yule was the winter solstice, a time when Druids would sit on mounds of earth, for example at New Grange in Ireland, throughout the night, waiting for sunrise, when they would be reborn!
Imbolc (2nd February) involved using sheep’s milk by way of celebrating motherhood. Ostara was the spring equinox, and Beltane took place on 30th April as a festival of fertility. Litha was the summer solstice, a time when they believed that the ‘holly king’ took over from the ‘oak king’ of Yule. Lughnasa was the first harvest on 2nd August and Mabon was the autumnal equinox. Then the cycle of holy days would repeat itself again, reflecting the cycles of nature, planets and indeed life itself, as the Druids believed in reincarnation. They also believed that sins committed in a previous life could be made up for in the next.
Their places of worship (‘Temples of the Druids’) were quiet, secluded areas, like clearings in woods and forests, and stone circles. Probably the most famous stone circle in Britain is Stonehenge, an ancient megalithic monument dating back to about 2400 B.C. Most people’s first thoughts about the Druids might be of them congregating around Stonehenge and casting magical incantations. There is indeed thought that this was a place of worship for them, as it still is today for pagans and other neo-druids. There is disagreement though, about whether the Druids built Stonehenge or not. It is not clear exactly when the Druids came to Britain, but it is likely that they actually arrived after Stonehenge was built.
The Isle of Ynys Mon, Anglesey, and Wistman’s Wood in Dartmoor are both believed to be Druidic sites. Indeed, Anglesey was supposedly a place where Druids were taught. It took about 20 years to learn the lore, as it was complex and had to be learnt off by heart as they rarely used a written language. This is one reason why we know so little about them. The Gaul’s had a limited written language, involving Greek characters, and then with Caesar’s rule this became Latin and old records were lost. Some legends must also be treated with caution as they may have even been altered by subsequent Christian influence or exaggeration.
In the 1st century AD, Druids were facing oppression from the Romans. Indeed, Tiberius banned Druidism because of the supposed human sacrifices. After this, in 2nd century, Druidism appeared to end. There are a couple of theories to try and explain this. The first is that, as with many ancient societies, disease, famine or warfare could have wiped them out. The second implicates the arrival of Christianity in the decline. Might they have been converted? In the 1700s though, a Druid revival occurred in England and Wales. The famous William Blake (an Arch-druid) even took part in this.
Some religions today, like Christianity and Wicca have been influenced by Druidry. The number three was considered greatly significant in Druid lore, and also by these religions. For example, the Triscale was a symbol involving 3 lines coming together to form a circle. Circles were key to many Druid beliefs; the circle of life, the seasons, light and darkness.
It would surprise many to learn that Winston Churchill was supposed to be a Druid!
Introduction
Those who practise Druidry do so through a deep spiritual connection perceived and experienced within the land and its culture. Many, when they first find Druidry, describe the feeling as ‘coming home’; they have rediscovered a connection with the land, its people, history, heritage and culture. This is more than mere interest; imbued with wonder, gratitude, respect and a sense of the perpetual flow of time, it inspires a devotional commitment, an acknowledgement of the sacred and a recognition of deity (male, female and non-gendered gods) within these currents of nature. This is the foundation of Druid practice.
The issue as to whether modern Druidry has any clear link back to pre-Roman Britain is debated. Historically Druidry was essentially an oral tradition and no texts are available written by our pre-Roman ancestors. However, the religious and spiritual traditions survived in folklore, through poetry and mythologies, within the development of British/western philosophy and the bardic colleges. A good deal was incorporated into Christianity when it came to these lands, particularly surviving in rural churches where Paganism continued side by side with the new religion. In the eighteenth century a resurgence of Druidry led to academic scrutiny of Classical and Mediaeval texts and a good deal of today’s common Druidic practice is based on interpretation of that material. This scrutiny continues today and Druids use this as a link to their ancestral past. As a religion today, Druidry is ever evolving. So common practice is gained through Druids coming together and sharing their experiences, rituals and celebrations.
Diversity
Many come to Druidry because of its diversity. Freedom of expression and personal connection to deity is, for them, of paramount importance. Connection to the divine is gained through experience, neither through belief nor through reciting prayers that are essentially another’s understanding or vision. As a polytheistic religion, individuals devote themselves to and revere deities who express different aspects of nature and ancestry. For example, Cerridwen is a goddess of the dark, the waning moon, the cauldron of potential; Brighid is a goddess of fire, light and assertive action. The rituals and practice of Druids honouring one or other of these as their principal deity would differ accordingly.
Druids take their inspiration from Nature. Within the British Isles we have a huge diversity of landscape and this is reflected in the practice of individuals and local groups or Groves. If a Druid is inspired by their local north sea coast, his gods and religious focus would be different from a Druid inspired by the rolling hills and woodlands of the Cotswolds, or the open moors of Devon. Similarly a Druid grove celebrating the festival of midwinter in an urban garden in Kent will look and feel very different from a grove celebrating in the Highlands of Scotland, were most of its members are dependent on rural or agricultural livelihoods: winter means something very different to both groves. All these individuals and groves are equally honouring (and seeking relationship with) Nature.
Druids are inspired too by their ancestors. To a Druid, ancestry is not a vague concept, but a gathering of individuals, each with their strengths and weaknesses, their own stories of success and failure. Druidry’s diversity is further expressed through the fact that each person has a different line of ancestors, and a different relationship with those people: this may manifest through a religious practice that focuses on a certain temple or landscape, myth or poet, skill or occupation. Again, such practice may appear significantly distinct, say, if we were to observe a farmer, a blacksmith, a writer or healer. As Druids, all are honouring their ancestors, nonetheless, by using the skills inherited and so expressing the spiritual devotion, gratitude and reverence required of the Druid.
The reverence for nature that is integral to Druidry also provides a morality or ethical base that is common to all Druids. Like any moral code, whether religious or secular, it is interpreted with slight differences. However, honour, respect, truth and justice are of primary importance and constitute the basis of all Druid practice. This doesn’t dilute Druidry, but brings to it a richness that is welcomed and celebrated. Thus, paradoxically, diversity is both a strength and a cohesive element of Druid practice.
There are further elements of Druid practice and ritual that are common to all within the tradition and these we shall explore.
Major Festivals
Most adherents of modern Druidry celebrate eight major festivals and these can be further subdivided into the Solar Festivals and Celtic Fire Festivals, which may also be known as agricultural, pastoral, seasonal or cross quarter festivals. Some Groves and individuals only work with the Solar and some only with the Fire Festivals. Placed around the course of the year, they occur every 5-7 weeks, and generally Druids will at this time make ritual, giving offerings.
The purpose of the festivals is to ensure two things:
- The Druid is always spiritually awake to the cycles of nature, the seasons, the tides of growth and decay, together with the gifts the gods offer at these times.
- The Druid attunes his own soul to the cycle of nature around him, working with the seasons internally, spiritually, instead of pushing against them and risking stress, depression, exhaustion, complacency and so on.
Being in harmony with nature’s cycles ensures spiritual health, appreciation, inspired creativity and vibrant community, through reverential relationship with the gods, ancestors and spirits of place.
Druids will also make ritual at various phases of the moon, though which phase is most important to any individual Druid will depend on their own nature. Some Druids will regularly meet with their grove at the dark or new moon, others preferring the full moon, and some acknowledge the quarter moons. This practice encourages and facilitates the Druid’s attunement with the lunar cycle, increasing awareness as to its impact on his own nature and the natural world around him, increasing health, well being and relationships.
Rites of Passage
It is also common within Druid practice to celebrate important points along life’s path, and it is at such times that we acknowledge the growth, change and release that are integral to an individual’s path. Some points that may be celebrated are:
- Children’s Rites – the welcoming of newborn babies, naming ceremonies, starting school and their successes are all important points that may be celebrated within the community.
- Weddings, often called Handfastings.
- Rites of Passing that may include funerals, memorials or honouring of the dead.
- Rites of Separation – acceptance and release are important. Breakdown of any relationship should be acknowledged.
- Rites of Elderhood – these occur for men and women between the ages of 55 – 70, acknowledging their changing place in society with retirement, menopause or the arrival of grandchildren.
- Dedication – for some it is important that they declare their dedication publicly. This may be a dedication to their God(s), their work, their community or any other important areas of focus.
At such rituals, it is common practice for Druids to honour the gods, the landscape, the ancestors, the community and nature in general. The Grove or gathering acknowledges the part played by each of these entities; they are thanked, offerings made and celebrations shared.
Public Gorseddau
Traditionally gatherings of Bards, these are now generally understood as public ritual for those studying the tradition, and those wishing to share in a wider community of Druidry. They are held throughout the country and indeed the world. They are usually held on the weekend closest to the actual date of the festivals mentioned previously.
Free and open to all they are a gathering to celebrate the festival and to perform rites of passage. Space will also be included in the celebration for the poetry, song, music and other creativity that is such an important part of Druidry. While not all Druids regularly attend Gorsedd Rites, all Druids will acknowledge the importance and validity of such gatherings and rituals.
Grove Practice
A Grove is a group of people who come together to honour deity, land, culture, heritage, ancestry and each other within the Druid tradition. Essentially they are run by Druids local to an area, and because they take their inspiration from the locality, each is consequently and appropriately different.
How the Grove is run entirely rests on those who facilitate it; theirs is the time, energy and inspiration that enables it to be. Because of the limits on their time and energy, some Grove leaders choose to limit the number of members, and once this level is reached they can’t accept more applicants, although they are usually happy for people to approach them for advice on Druidry. In practice, when a grove has reached its limit of members, usually someone will leave to form a new Grove and so Druidry continues to grow.
There are some Groves who choose to be closed to new members. These Groves are usually comprised of close friends who are studying together a particular area of Druidry and do not have time to facilitate an open Grove or facilitate the learning of newcomers to the tradition. Again these Groves are willing to give help and assistance to anybody who approaches them; this may be in the form of individual teaching offered, or by directing the enquirer to another local Grove or to organisations like The Druid Network who can offer a high level of assistance.
As said previously, all Groves are different, but again there is identifiable commonality of practice. The celebration of the year’s cycle of festivals, moon phase rituals and the rites of passage mentioned previously are in some form universally celebrated.
Private Practice
Druidry cannot be considered a religion that is practised only at certain times or festivals. Because it is essentially a celebration of life, all time not spent at public celebration could be considered as private practice. However, it is the depth of that practice that will differ and this will depend not only on an individual’s commitment to Druidry but also the Druid’s personal life. There are those within the tradition that have the time to immerse themselves fully and there are many others with work and family commitments that make time and opportunity limited.
Ancient Druid Rituals
However, life is cyclical and circumstances change, therefore the depth of private practice supports this. A mother whose life is wrapped around the bringing up of children will usually return to committed Druidic work once the children are more independent, until that time remaining content as a part of the Druid community if not a student of the mythology, theology and deeper practice.
Common Beliefs
A Druid’s practice is aimed at seeking to understand and achieve sacred relationship with nature and thus the gods. Belief implies blind faith and that is not the Druid way. Experience of sacred connection, wonder and understanding are the foundation stones of the tradition, not reliance of blind faith in something that one has not personally experienced or perceived.
All Druids, however, seek to connect with the same source – nature – and that source provides some common areas of understanding if not belief. The following points are therefore presented as statements of common Druidic understanding.
Druids And Nature
- Nature is considered to be unconditionally sacred and an expression or manifestation of deity and divinity.
- Everything exists as an interconnected web.
Although everything is interconnected, for many people that connection is not felt. They stand apart from the natural world and in many cases consider themselves superior to it. A Druid seeks to re-connect, use their senses and seek to develop them, open their spirit to the spirit that flows around them, to connect with that flow, that divine source. In other words, experience of the web is essential for honourable living.
Druid Spells 5e
All Druids honour the powers of nature, as environment (the Three Worlds of land, sea and sky), as ancestors (of our blood, of our history and land, of our mythology), as heritage and wisdom, and through reverence for the sacred and for deity.
What does this mean? In terms of an integrated system of belief and practice, Druids would be expected to :
Druid Dnd
- Respect the natural world (non-human), care for the environment, to study nature (from trees to winds).
- Respect human nature, work on their own intellectual and emotional development, care for the community, family and colleagues.
- Respect our history, learn about our heritage, ancestors, their stories, languages, ways of life.
- Respect the gods, the forces of nature that influence our worlds.
All these are religious tasks, performed not just as a way of serving the gods, ancestors or community, but as a way of connecting with the gods, seeking religiously meaningful and, at times, ecstatic union.
Because the gods are forces of nature and heritage, they exist within every aspect of nature. Instead of reaching to a single abstract concept of deity (a unique creative supernatural god), Druids find the divine through study, ritual, music, meditation, prayer, dance. In other words, by singing an old song, learning an old language, sitting by the grave of an ancestor or within an old stone circle, meditating in the rain, planting trees or tending the garden, the Druid opens his soul (mind, consciousness, heart) to connect with the forces of nature (gods) present and influential within that aspect of nature. He open his soul to his ancestors and the gods who guided them into sacred relationship, fulfilment and peace.
This is religious practice (seeking connection with deity, the sacred powers of existence) and is found within all Druidry, throughout the world.