A Brief History of Druidism

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Modern Druidism is one of the Neo-pagan families of religion, which include Wicca, Asatru, Shamanism, and recreations of other various Pagan religions such as Egyptian, Greek, Norse, and Roman. Today€™s Druidism is a reconstruction of the beliefs and practices of the ancient Celtic priesthood. The ancient Druids, were first known to exist in approximately 4,000 BCE and is believed to date far beyond written history. The ancient Druids are most widely connected with the British Isles; however, history shows evidence that the British Isles were only the last strong hold of the Druids. Most commonly referenced are the islands of Iona and Mona, (Anglesey as it is called today). The Ancients built sacred sites out of stone and these stone formations and monuments have been found all over the world. The ancient Druids were also abundant in areas of Brittany and France, where their monuments are still scattered across acres of land in geometric formations.

The ancient Druids were the most learned of men in their time and are known to perform the functions of modern day priests, teachers, legislators, astronomers, chemists, musicians, poets, theologians, philosophers, and judges. They were also specialists in healing, herbalism and divination. They were revered by all to the point that kings and social hierarchy would send their children to them to be schooled. In matters of religion, law, and scholastics, their authority was absolute. The Druids main focus was, "The Belief in Supreme Power of the Universe, and the Belief of Immortality of the Soul." The Druids underwent a lengthy three phase scholastic, artisan, and spiritual training, which is mentioned in Romantic text to have been as long as 20 years. Druids led all public rituals, which were normally held within sacred groves of trees. Due to the intellect of the Druids, the Romans feared them. It was the common folks reverence towards the Druids that interfered with Caesars€™ attempt to overcome the Britons in 55 BCE, where Druidism was the prevailing philosophy in Briton at the time. Caesar found the Druids to be a threat to his authority and he ordered their demise. He nearly accomplished completely exterminating the Druids at the Isle of Mona, now Anglesey. After the invasions by Rome, the few Druids that were left converted to Christianity through persuasion or genocide.

The Christian Church adsorbed much of the Celtic religion. Pagan Gods and Goddesses became Christian saints, sacred springs and wells were preserved and associated with saints and used for baptism. Many sites of spiritual antiquity became the location of cathedrals. There are those who believe that the Christian Monks erased those things of religious conflict during the early Celtic Christian Era. By the 7th Century CE, Druidism was destroyed throughout most of the former Celtic lands or was hidden deeply underground for fear of persecution. Druidism reemerged in the 17th century in London England as the Mount Haemus Grove. In 1858, the California Grove No.1 was instituted in what is now known as Placerville. There has been found some evidence that traditional Paganism did survive into the 20th Century among isolated areas of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

 

Druidism, even though being almost undateable has existed into the far reaches of antiquity. Extending far beyond that of written history and the Druids themselves not using a rhetorical system for documeanting their history, it is very difficult to say what their ritual, political, and clerical practices were exactly. Most of the literature we have today is or could be prejudicially written. By taking written history into account, and not looking specifically at religion, we can learn a lot about the Celts and subsequently the Druidic caste.

The ancient Druids were the most learned of all men and women of their time. Druids were physicians, astronomers, mathematicians, musicians, poets, philosophers, legislators, judges, and teachers of spirituality, religion, and education. The Druids were held in such high regard that Kings and other aristocrats or social hierarchy would send their children to them to be taught the ways of Druidism.

In the height of their time the Druids had power over the masses near without equal. It is said that the Druids could walk between two armies waged in war and dispel the hostilities causing them to discontinue the fight. In the matters of learning, religion, and government their word was absolute. The Druids served as the spiritual link between the Celts and the Gods. The Druids taught their philosophy to the Celts, who did not have any organized religion. Their were many pantheons of Gods worshipped by the Celts stemming from tribal, cultural, and geographical roots.

What the Druids did was give order to the many different structures to instill morals, virtues, and ethics. The term "Druidism" is a philosophy and way of life taught by memory from generation to generation. Contrary to popular belief, Druidism was never taught as a system of religion. If it was the Celts as a whole would have been Druids, which we know was not the case.

There are many different concepts of how the Druids worshipped. Whether or not they were Mono, Dual, or Polytheistic. The Druid organizations of today practice all three with respect given to a Higher God, or Creator being (Mono); the reverence of the Earth Mother being a (Dual); and with regard given to the lesser Gods and Goddesses, who serve specific duties in this and the other world, being (Poly). In my opinion, Druidism is a wholly Panentheistic philosophy taught and practiced in many different ways.

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Druidism is far from what most people would expect in todays society. These assumptions are made blindly and without just cause. With an open mind and a little reading one can easily find the reason why we choose to follow Druidic philosophy today.

As Druids we affirm to support and assist all attempts by society to teach and inculcate the principles of friendship and brotherly love. As Druids we oppose all subversion and ill influence in its every form, towards the laws of God(s), mankind, and our Country. Druidism is a way of life, a system of morality, and a Fraternal brotherhood of Social, Moral, and Spiritual standards. Although not a religion, Druids have religious values which stem from the belief in the Almighty Creator and asserts faith in the supreme power of the universe, the brotherhood of man, and the immortality of the soul. Druidism is by nature, Educational.

The philosophies of Druidism teach us that the light of intelligence will out way and dissolve the darkness of superstition and ignorance, which still blinds humanity today. Service to humanity is an important factor in the life and character of a Druid. Preserving our nations waterways, forests and wildlife, as well as helping with our pollution problems in general. As a Druid I try to exemplify true brotherhood and live by the perceptual moral virtues of Merlin. Druidism comes to us for a number of reasons. For some it's to reconnect with their roots or family history and to improve the knowledge and ways of their ancestors. Some are simply attracted by the relationship that exists between us and the natural world, as we attune ourselves with nature and revere all life as equal and created by God(s). There are those who are drawn by the artistic, and Bardic side of Druidism as well.

In all, Druids are dedicated to the principles of respecting and nurturing the dignity of man, friendship, charity, belief in the fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood of mankind.

The Seven Precepts Of Merlin First: Labor diligently to acquire knowledge, for it is power. Second: When in authority, decide reasonably, for thine authority may cease. Third: Bear with fortitude the ills of life, remembering that no mortal sorrow is perpetual. Fourth: Love virtue for it bringeth peace. Fifth: Abhor vice for it bringeth evil upon all. Sixth: Obey those in authority in all just things, that virtue may be exalted. Seventh: Cultivate the social virtues, so shalt thou be beloved by all men.

 

* Note: Reference to Merlin is used in the sense of a metaphor. Merlin is often conceived of as being a man. Usually a particular man. However, all regards to merlin in this site refer to Merlin the title. A title that was often given to mystics and philosophers in the early Christian years who are often speculated to have been druids, usually archetypes.