The Sacred Hearth

What is Druidry?

History

In ancient Celtic culture, Druids were the priestly class, possibly similar to the Brahmins in Hindu culture, or similar to the idea of a Shaman. They were considered very powerful and gifted and studied many years to earn the title. They commanded respect. Wherever they went they were to be offered hospitality and were often employed as teachers and advisors for the ruling classes.

The ancient Celts roamed the British Isles, Wales and much of the European continent. Legends and history record them coming into contact with the Greeks, the Romans, the Etruscans and their language and folklore suggests that there was some overlap with the Germanic and Norse cultures as well. They were agricultural, skilled in animal husbandry and produced beautiful metalwork. They were also somewhat warlike and delighted in raiding each other to prove their manly might. They were at war at one time or another with the Greeks, the Etruscans and the Romans and were finally conquered by the Romans.

With the coming of Christianity, famously credited to Saint Patrick who drove the “snakes” out of Ireland (popular opinion has it that the snakes were a metaphor for the Druids or perhaps Pagans in general- there never were any actual snakes in Ireland). The Druids went the way of extinction but were remembered in legend. A famous saint of Ireland, Saint Brigid, is said to have had a Druid father (though some say she was actually a Goddess who was granted Sainthood by the Christians because they couldn’t get rid of Her), the great tales of King Arthur, the Mabinogion and many of the poetic Cycles of Ireland and Wales make much mention of Druids.

The Modern Druid revival began about 300 years ago. These Druids were not the same as the Druids of old and truly don’t claim to be. They are attempting to reconstruct ancient Celtic beliefs and because “Celtic” is actually a term for an ethnic group, many of whom are devoutly Christian, they can’t use that as a name for their religion, so they have chosen Druidry. It works, it fit. These people need not study for years like the ancient Druids to become Druids- though they are encouraged to continue to study their entire lives as knowledge is highly valued, and they do not consider themselves to be of a privileged class as the ancient Druids were. They are simply attempting to recreate the religion that the ancient Druids would have presided over.

Because there were so many different Celtic tribes in the past, and they were certainly not unified, there are many different interpretations when it comes to reconstructing these paths and forming them into the faith now called modern Druidry. Because of this, I’m afraid my information will be somewhat incomplete. There are several different schools of Druidry and you should look into each of them as they all vary slightly. Particularly, European and American Druidry are quite different.

My information comes from Ár nDraíocht Féin, an American Druidic Organization with many “Groves” or congregations scattered throughout the country. I have personally worked with one of these groves, and so it is from this viewpoint I present this information.

Divinity

There were many different ancient Celtic tribes and thus many different traditions. Each tribe really had their own Patron and Mother deities. Much of their worship seems to have centered around bodies of water and the bones of ancestors.

Each ADF Grove, upon its formation begins the sometimes very long process of contacting and establishing a relationship with the Groves Patron Deitiesi. Either they choose historical Deities, or they use Astral techniques to find new Deities to devote their Grove work to. These Deities are most often Celtic, but they don’t have to be. Generally Deities are chosen who represent the Sun, Wildlife/Animals/Hunting, Grain/Agriculture and the nearest body of water, but this is flexible. Additionally, other Deities may make themselves known to the Grove and be added to the Grove Pantheon. A Mother Earth or Mother of the Gods Deity is also generally worshipped.

In addition to their Divine Patrons, ADF Druids worship their ancestors, or at least honor them strongly. Some are honored by name and are either mentioned in certain rites or their names are listed on a plaque or other item kept on a special altar. In addition to specific ancestors, ancestral archetypes are honored at each rituali. These are the Warrior Archetype, the Producer Archetype, and the Sage Archetype. They do not just honor dead producers, warriors and sages, but also living ones.

Druids are hard Polytheists. That is, they don’t see all Gods as aspects of one whole as some other groups might. They believe that each God is an individual with His or Her own personality, desires and tastes. That being said, they do believe that some Gods are called by different names in different places, however.

Basic Tenets of Druidry

Unlike many Pagan religions, Druidry is very ordered and structured. Druids are expected to strictly follow the law of the land and will be turned over by their own (and will not be the least bit surprised) if they do not. They also believe strongly in equality and will not tolerate discrimination. They are accepting of many different lifestyles, including homosexuality, mixed and polygamous marriages and single parents. In a group of Druids, no one will bat an eyelash at some things that would horrify other groups.

Druids hold children in very high regard and consider the birth of a child an extremely worthy event to celebrate. They will also not hesitate to discipline other peoples’ children if they need it. A pregnant woman is considered to be in a very sacred state and her blessings are sought at gatherings.

Druids favor wisdom, creativity, self control and sobriety. Druids are expected to take excellent care of their personal selves, to seek out wisdom and further their education on both magical and mundanei issues. Druids are also encouraged to practice a craft or art of some sort. Music, poetry, sewing and other crafts are highly looked upon. In fact, the products of these are considered to be worthy offerings to the Gods.

Magic is not a major part of Druid worship, with the exception of Divination which is traditionally performed at most rituals. Many Druids, however, do study magic and perform privately or in small groups.

Organization

As mentioned, there are many different Druid organizations. The larger organization serves the individual Groves by offering training materials and liturgical assistance, registering new groves and qualifying new clergy.

Each Grove is presided over by a High Druid or Arch Druid (may be male or female, a female Druid is sometimes called a Druidess or Baen Drui). Rarely, a couple may preside. The Arch Druid is usually a legally ordained minister. He or She is assisted by several Deputies or Officers. The Grove itself is divided into several Guilds, which meet separately to pursue common interests.

Druid Worship

Druids meet for worship for 4 major and 4 minor festivals throughout the year. These correspond basically to the festivals most Neo-Pagan groups observe. They do not, as a rule meet on the full or new moon as other groups do, however. They may meet other days, on a regular basis to study and also have “Guild” meetings. These are groups of people within the Grove who have similar interests who meet to share these interests. Some examples may be a Healer’s Guild, a Magician’s Guild, a Crafter’s Guild, etc.

The ritual is begun by offering thanks to the place spirits for allowing it, and giving an offering to the Chaos spirits in hope that they will not interfere. Alli participants are blessed by Earth (ocre), Sky (incense) and Sea (water). Then, the three Gates (or Portals) are opened. These Gates, the Tree, the Well and the Fire are all considered to be passageways between the three worlds (Earth or Middleworld, land of the living, Sky, or Upperworld, home of the Shining Onesi, and Sea or Lowerworld, home of the ancestors.) by opening them the area is placed in between all worlds and sacred spacei is established.

The main ritual follows which consists of songs, praise and offerings to the Deity or Deities to which the particular Holy Day is devoted. Dancing, sharing and other group activities are generally a part of the ritual as well. Druid rituals are usually quite fun, actually.

The ritual is closed by thanking the Deities and spirits and closing the Gates.

For more information about Druidry

Check out the Ár nDraíocht Féin website.

Some good books are
The Solitary Druid: A Practitioner's Guide
Bonewits's Essential Guide to Druidism

and, for history
Witches, Druids and King Arthur
and
The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: Their Nature and Legacy

Yes, I'm a Hutton fan. Can't help it. He appeals to my nerdiness.