There are as many definitions of Druidry as there are Druids. Probably more, since many of us define it in different ways at different times. For those seeking a factual overview of the history of Druidry, the best source is the OBOD website, which includes a full discussion of our history from the ancient Druids, through the Druid revival of the 1700's up to the time of Ross Nichols and the neopagan Druidry of today.
I cannot define Druidry for other people, only for myself.
Druids keep one eye on the ordinary material reality and the other on the non-ordinary reality of spirits and meaning. We do not separate the sacred from the secular. Druids see humans as part of the natural world. We are participants with the world of people, animals, plants, trees, mountains, rivers, seas, moon, sun, stars, seasons and spirits.
Three Strand Approach:
Druidry is made up of three strands—Bard, Ovate and Druid. Each combines with the other to increase capacity as do the fibres of a rope.
An Dámh (Bard) holds the strands of storytelling, mythology & history seeking. All the arts can be engaged in this work. Exploration of deep meaning is the intention though entertainment is also found on the way.
An File (Poet Seer) holds the strands of holistic healing with a curious, intuitive mind and spirit which also acknowledges our ancestors. Engagement with the landscape, Ogham trees and the Time supports the healing works. Herbs, nutrition, strength-based therapies and Jungian depth psychology inform the learning on this path.
An t-Ollamh (Druid) holds the strand of ritual, philosophy & ethics. Opening & holding a ritual space increases the specialness of the work to follow. Philosophy is the love of thinking including rationality which balances the mystical. The ethical approach can be seen in the Druid’s prayer.
Druids explore each strand of experience along a continuum from the most intuitive & mystical to the most rational & material, e.g., ancestry & history can be explored using imagination & intuition as well as DNA studies & study of contemporary sources.
I cannot define Druidry for other people, only for myself.
Druids keep one eye on the ordinary material reality and the other on the non-ordinary reality of spirits and meaning. We do not separate the sacred from the secular. Druids see humans as part of the natural world. We are participants with the world of people, animals, plants, trees, mountains, rivers, seas, moon, sun, stars, seasons and spirits.
Three Strand Approach:
Druidry is made up of three strands—Bard, Ovate and Druid. Each combines with the other to increase capacity as do the fibres of a rope.
An Dámh (Bard) holds the strands of storytelling, mythology & history seeking. All the arts can be engaged in this work. Exploration of deep meaning is the intention though entertainment is also found on the way.
An File (Poet Seer) holds the strands of holistic healing with a curious, intuitive mind and spirit which also acknowledges our ancestors. Engagement with the landscape, Ogham trees and the Time supports the healing works. Herbs, nutrition, strength-based therapies and Jungian depth psychology inform the learning on this path.
An t-Ollamh (Druid) holds the strand of ritual, philosophy & ethics. Opening & holding a ritual space increases the specialness of the work to follow. Philosophy is the love of thinking including rationality which balances the mystical. The ethical approach can be seen in the Druid’s prayer.
Druids explore each strand of experience along a continuum from the most intuitive & mystical to the most rational & material, e.g., ancestry & history can be explored using imagination & intuition as well as DNA studies & study of contemporary sources.
