This site is dedicated to the ancient traditions of Eire (Ireland).

What is a "Druid"? The term "Druid" refers to the professor/judge /council/master of ceremonies/divine intermediary of the Celtic and/or Gael peoples.   The term "Druid"originally referred to the keepers of knowledge and tradition in Keltoi (Celtic) society, the Druids.  In history we find that the Druids kept the lore of their peoples, upheld traditions, laws, customs, led festivals, performed rituals, counseled Kings, and Queens, Ladies, and Lords. 

What is Druidism now?  Today, Druidism is an Earth-reverent philosophy, or spiritual-path based on (inspired by) the mystical traditions, and the ancestral wisdom of Druids. Druids were found in Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Breton, Cornwall & throughout Europe.  Druidic wisdom, and teachings survived in the mythology of the Celts, archeological finds, Bards of Wales, and Scotland,  in songs, stories, and nursery rhyms. Most of the surviving literature is either Irish or Welsh.  Some are trying to recreate an ancient religion, some are tapping into their inspiration, creativity, or ancestry, seeing where that lead, yet some are creating a Celtic-flavored-New-Age-pastry genre...  Somewhere therein will we find what we will call "Druidism", or as may be more appropriate: "Modern/Neo Druidism"One must realize that what was originally termed Druidism is not the same as what is practiced today under the same term.   An example of Druidic teachings:  “Gods” could be seen as personifications of forces of Nature, groupings of stories with lessons, traditional lore, so-on.  The Celts taught that the Gods did not exist before humans, that they are embodiments of forces in Nature, to assist in our understanding of (manipulation of) these forces to assure food, and safety for a community.  Key word –in the previous sentence- that greatly defines the nature of the Druids’ role in a society is the word “community”.  Druids are a binding thread in a community within Keltic society of yore.  The health of the land is the health of a Druids people, a Druid would most certainly have used timber to build his home, but would be spreading-out the cutting of local persons to keep a wooded area healthy for future use.  A person that does not work for the welfare of his people, of his land, is by nature not a child of nature, and is thus not likely to be a Druid.

First classical-references to Druids come from the Greek writers:Tacitus, Gaius Julius Caesar, and Posidontus(?). The Romans -with the intent of subjecting these peoples- spoke unfavorably of the Celts to say the least. Caesar was trying to keep the support of the Senators, and of the landed-populace for support of the war effort in Gaul. *these are listed somewhere on the site, I think.

DRAOI ALLTA

Translation: ”Wild(erness) Druid”, a non-court affiliated Druid.  In my usage, it terms a Druid not associated with a large Druidry / Fraternal Org., whether by matter of circumstance, or preference.   This is not to say uninvolved with their community, for the function of a Druid was the service for, and guidance of their community.  The previous point being very necessary to mention because of what I feel to be an important, and central aspect of Druidism: community service, and guidance.

The other sort of Druids being the Draoi Ríogaí (in my usage) , or court druids modern meaning refering to association with an group from the lineage of most of the prominant international orgs..  At risk of being taken wrong: my modern usage referening to members of the large Meso-Druidic orders of 17cent. lineage: white robes and dilletantes (i.e.: AOD,OBOD. so-on..). Distinction must also be made from the New Age type Druids though not necessarily termable under this title... either term, actually.     

In the surviving tales from the isles (Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England), there are frequent references to Druids who dwell in the remote forests, or small towns, or the wandering sorts.  This site will emphasize the knowledge, and techniques for Draoi Allta who would follow the path of Druidism.  What can occur in isolation, is inspiration, and reflection, creativity can flourish!  This keeps the magical evolution of Druidism alive, ask Mogh Ruith, he was what you might call a “prominent” Draoi Allta in Irish mythology.

Most terminology in this site will be Irish.  Some spelling will be Old Irish, although most fringe concepts, or modern ideas are termed in Modern Irish.  Discrepancies in this are due to the lack of information available to us, far –in time- from the original Druids.  I try to maintain authenticity to the best of my ability, it is not  possible to do so entirely.  I might be inclined to argue that certain ideas need to be shaped to the modern mind, the modern world: there is a need for a life-philosophy to be organic in nature, flexible, adaptive, in order to stick in the hearts of living beings.  Our interpretations of Druidism will–in all cases be fundamentally different to that of our ancestors.  This is perfectly understandable, and natural.  There are lessons to be learned (I hope) from other paths: for example, do you think that Jesus would be pleased with TV evangelists, or inquisitions in the name of God?!?!  What of the selection process of the translations that lead to the King James Bible?  We must be realistic, in our creation of modern druidism. Remember, magnetism was thought to be magic, until very recently.  The world is vastly different from the time of Early Druidism.

Druids tend to believe in Animist theory, seeing energy in all things.  I feel that there is an awareness (necessary) of those magical things in front of and around us at any given moment.  I feel that there are signs of these things to come all around us, like seeing the Ogham ( Irish runes) within the crossing of branches above you. The effort here is to reach into the mists, find the oldest mystical traditions of Eire (Ireland).   We draw what we can from the remains of Druidism, and live in a manner harmonious to the cycles of Earth.  Anyone knows the unlikelyhood of recreating -in full- what was once termed "Druidism", this site is dedicated to those who will try to bring these traditions -as intact as possible- into our modern lives as Druids. Draoi Allta is an aspect of the Druidic Movement (CR-ish/Imbas-ish) with emphasis on the oldest traditions, and existing as a function within ones community. Druidism takes many forms, here it is not "Neo-Druidism", or "Meso-Druidism" rather it is a quest for the traditions of Pre-Christian Eiru (Ireland).

Be of service to the world, to your community.

-B.Draic 20 MAR 06

 

The Nine Values of Aurrad

are Truth, Honor, Justice, Loyalty, Courage, Community, Hospitality, Strength and Gentleness.

 

Next page is Great Fire Festivals