Druidry

Origins and History

Druidry, also known as Druidism, is a spiritual or religious movement that emerged in the early 18th century, during a period known as the Druidic Revival. It was inspired by the accounts of ancient Druids, who were the priestly class in Britain, Ireland, and Gaul during the Iron Age. The historical accuracy of these accounts is often disputed, as much of the information about the ancient Druids comes from Roman sources, which may have been biased.^[1]

Beliefs and Practices

Druidry is a highly diverse movement, with no central authority or universally agreed upon set of beliefs or practices. However, there are some common themes that are often found within Druidic beliefs and practices. These include a reverence for nature, a belief in the sanctity of all life, and a focus on personal growth and spiritual development. Many Druids also believe in the existence of a spirit world and engage in practices such as meditation, divination, and ritual magic to connect with this realm.

Nature Reverence

A central tenet of Druidry is the reverence for nature. Druids view the natural world as a sacred and integral part of existence, and many of their practices and rituals are designed to honor and connect with the natural world. This can include outdoor rituals performed at specific times of the year, such as the solstices and equinoxes, as well as practices aimed at living in harmony with the earth, such as sustainable living and environmental activism.

Spiritual Development

Another important aspect of Druidry is the focus on personal growth and spiritual development. Many Druids view life as a journey of learning and self-discovery, and they use their spiritual practices as tools to aid in this process. This can include meditation, divination, dream work, and other practices designed to foster self-awareness and personal transformation.

Ritual Magic

Some Druids also engage in ritual magic, which they view as a way to effect change in the world and connect with the spirit realm. This can include practices such as casting spells, creating talismans, and performing rituals designed to invoke the powers of nature and the spirit world.

Druidic Orders

There are many different Druidic orders, each with its own unique beliefs and practices. Some of the most well-known include the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD), the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA), and the British Druid Order (BDO). These orders often provide training and resources for individuals interested in pursuing a Druidic path, and they also serve as a community for like-minded individuals to connect and share their experiences.

Modern Druidry

In the modern era, Druidry has continued to evolve and adapt, incorporating influences from a variety of other spiritual traditions, including Wicca, Shamanism, and Eastern spirituality. Despite these influences, the core principles of reverence for nature, personal growth, and spiritual exploration remain central to the Druidic path.