{Some thoughts from the Druid}

How many times have you read on the net something about Druids? Seldom do you read what its like to be a Druid in modern society; how one who lives so close to nature can interact with modern Protestant Idealisms and stay sane never mind content with being a pagan the new Millenium.

How do you define what is appropriate or not appropriate behavior. There are several Writers in this century who have stated that there is just ONE way a Druid Carry's himself, and what he's supposed to do. Unfortunately I would have to remind them that being pagan is to be an individual. The most well known Pagan Druids of all time, were not followers of Doctrine, but creators and innovators of rules that they were given as children and students of the Druidic Path. A subject with heated debate even today is the Geographical History and Lineage of Druids. The greatest Faux Pas to date in my opinion is the misbelief that Druids only resided and lived in the British Isles. I find that a distasteful subject, because my heritage stems not from The Isles, but From Northern Spain and Southern France, where also in that Time period, druids did indeed exist.

So the question remains; what IS a modern Druid? And what does he bring to society? In Truth, he brings very little to society as a whole, but in the sum of its parts, the young and the troubled who dwell within its macrocosm of psuedo truths and genres; he brings peace and harmony. His healing through ancient methods, and more often than not, Classical expression through our art, poetry, songspell, and simpler than that, a smile to those who could not muster one before the Druid made his prose into passionate wordplay.

Many ideas about Druids are incorrect and false. First and foremost, we are not witches, as many would perceive (Mostly close minded Christians who know nothing outside their church doors) Secondly, we are not Wiccan, (this correction is mostly for those "newbie" pagans who perceive everything outside of Christianity as Wiccan) Thirdly we are absolutely positively not Satanic, Luciferian or evil in any manner; it is against our beliefs and doctrines to harm another creature in any manner consistent with revenge or retribution. We also do not: control the weather, work "spells", make "charms", work with "spirits", make or use "potions", Subscribe to the wearing or proposed usage of Pentacles (although the spiritual belief behind the meaning of the five corners of the star is in our system of beliefs, it is used differently). We are not Warlocks, Wizards, Necromancers, or Priests. We are Druids, plain and simple. Those that seek power, worldly knowledge, materialistic wealth or gain, control, or supremacy over others need not attempt to Claim that they are a Druid. They would be living a lie far beyond what they could conceive.

We do not control the Weather. We are one with the elements; being Air, Fire, Water and the Earth. We are as much OF the Earth as we exist ON it. We lay respect and homage to Trees being life givers for the children of the planet. Scientifically proven that if the Foliage was removed from the surface of the Planet, biological life would cease to exist. Logic would say that Homage to such an important component of the cycle of Earth would be a position of honor; Indeed it is.

Your sitting there, at a desk of sorts; and reading my words. Imagine for a moment, the last time you walked in a park, or in the woods. You and your companions heard the sounds of the trees leaves whistle in the afternoon air. But, did you "listen" to the trees? If you'd been a Druid, you would have been greeted, and been able to hear the trees speak, and you would know. When you drive through a thunderstorm, do you just "see" the Storm and its power? As a Druid, we "feel" the energy of the Storm, where its going, what its doing.

The paragraph above may or may not give you an idea who and what we are. That would mostly depend on your own Spiritual Beliefs and idealisms. Many religions challenge our ways and beliefs simply because we are bound to silence as to our teachings and studies as we learned them ourselves. Where many religions share their doctrines openly, we are bound to secrecy by our brothers and elders.

Now on more than one occasion within this text, I have placed third party reference to the Fraternal influence and Male dominated gender; I will explain. Many centuries ago, the Druid Clans of the Isles, and of Western Europe, were dominated by men. Women were either excluded from the Order, or part of a Feminine Dominated Sect of a different spiritual philosophy.

This didn't mean that we don't hold the Woman with high regard, it's just the way it was from the beginning. No single Druid taking claim to the exclusion, but rather following in the footsteps of our elders. If an explanation was asked as to why women were excluded, I can only speak from my heart if the question came my way. Women were closest to the Earth as a Mother of her own children, as the Earth is Mother to us all. So, out of respect for that, Women could have been regarded as not being called to Druidic work, the task of protection and healing, as they already had their work cut out for them, that being Mother to the Children she would create. Life many centuries ago, was fragile at best. A common cold today, could have killed even the strongest of men back then. Druids being healers, knew this all too well. So although I, as modern Druid cannot say with confidence what my ancestors decided, I can say as a Druid what my opinion is and nothing more.

I have read many publications about druidism in modern times. Some say that Druids should be vegetarian. Some say that by tradition we should be celibate and not partake in carnal activities. Some writers subscribe to the ancient writings of the tome "The Pheryllt" and its brother books. While others, say that the "Battle of Tuatha" and its legends is more accurate to the history and lessons one could learn. Everybody has become so politically correct when it comes to what should be the standard guideline to show someone Druidism. What I find frustrating is that these writers provide very little to an individual as far as what its like to be a Druid in daily life. Oh sure, they share the Ogham tablet, Some of the Charms of Making, Egg and Rite Creation, making of tools, and every once in a while they share something they should not, as initiation is paramount when it comes to inner disciplines. But when it comes to dealing with a sick child on a Monday morning before going to work with the phone ringing and your family grumpy? Nope, haven't found it yet!

Now, before I go into great detail about the different classifications and lineage of Druids, I will say this. There are as many people in society that will tell you that THEIR opinion and research is correct about Druidism, as there are people to begin with. That's because we have so little written material saved from ancient history that gives us any idea how it was, and what they did. So, writers in general, will subscribe to their truth as THE truth, and all of a sudden, when someone comes along with different information, or a different lineage, its slandered and put aside as inaccurate. They always make the same statement: "Where did you get your information?" "What do you have to back up your claim?" To Answer the question properly, my information came from my family history. My ancestors were Druids as far back as anyone can remember. Even when it was dangerous to be outside the Church many centuries ago, my ancestors practiced Druidism from behind closed doors, and kept a very low profile.

Now the doctrine and philosophy of Druidism that my Ancestors practiced was very different from the Druidism that was practiced in the Isles. Still today, there are a few religions that have heard of our people, and even fewer that are familiar with what is called the "Aseraat" or more correct in terms, Aseraatic Druid.

To the well respected writers and representatives of Druidism such as Phillip Carr-Gomm, Douglas Monroe, Edain Mccoy, and others I say this, I have enjoyed your work greatly. Your thoughts on what we are as a people are fair and put a unique prospective on what Druidism is today. I can't say that I'm totally pleased that Ms. Mccoy thinks I'm a nut (Actually, I'm a Bard but rumor has it she's a sweet person so coming from her, I guess nut will have to do for the time being) As for Dr Monroe, after writing a letter to him last year, and not receiving a reply I gather that he might classify me somewhere between Hazelnut and Almond, but you never know. And last but not least, From Mr. Carr-Gomm, and O.B.O.D. (Order of Bards Ovates and Druids) To say that I knew something about them as a group would be saying too much. I don't think we've ever broken bread together, as I'm a solitary at heart and never sought groups of any kind. But once again, rumor has it that your all a great group of people and so I wish you all the best in your pursuit of whatever it is your pursuing.

For me I will probably never stop eating meat, as I do love a good steak with a well aged mug of mead; and this whole thing about not partaking in "carnal" activities; hey look, if you want to sit around and do chants, and reserve the beautiful women for everyone else, have at it. I've never been able to resist the temptation of a beautiful woman, and although I'm a gentleman, a Bard and consider myself to be chivalrous, I can be a "rogue" as the lady requests it.

And finally, I will say what can be said for Druids in modern life. We do not approach those in need, but rather wait for those to come to us. After all, is it not foolish to help someone who does not think they need help? If they're not willing to help themselves, why should we try? We find wisdom in listening to nature as much as we do listening to man. We would rather sit in the shadows than be in the spotlight. We have patience with troubled souls where most would walk away. Our greatest triumph will always be the healing of a child. The greatest gift of life is and will always be the truth and power of an innocent child. They are after all, our future. We abide by the laws of Karma, as the universe is ruled by 3's and 7's, we believe that for all you give out; threefold is the gift or retribution that you receive back. That one lesson is always on our minds, like an owl whispering in our ears.

To befriend a Druid is to have a watchful guide around you. He may not always give you the answer you want, it may come in the form of prose or song, it may come in the form of a lesson. After all, is life not something to be learned? But he will never turn his back on you as long as you treat him with respect and kindness. All he would ask is that you be honest with yourself, and be kind to others. To do something evil around a Druid is to call up a Storm of repent with little or no warning or defense. It is rare that a Druid would act in such a manner, but when it occurs it is nothing short of legendary.

Always remember that when someone tells you that they are into Druidism and Celtic Lore, just ask them if they like trees. If they go into ramblings about Different legends, and tools of Druids, and mumbling about different powerful rites and Ceremonial stuff………..

They Probably missed the point. Or as we Druids would put it……..
Couldn't see the forest for the Trees……

But that's okay, we like those people too, someday they'll ask……
And we'll be sitting there in the corner of some room with our pipe in our mouth and a grin on our face and say……

" So, you wanna be a Druid huh?……"