‘Above all else, Druidry means following a spiritual path rooted in the green Earth.’ – John Michael Greer

Druidism evolved out of the tribal cultures of Britain, Ireland and western France over two thousand years ago. In the seventeenth century it experienced a revival, which has continued to this day. Contemporary Druids can now be found all over the world, and Druidry’s appeal lies in its focus on a reverence for the natural world, a belief in the value of personal creativity, and of developing a sense of communion with the powers of nature and the spirit. Druidry’s startling recent growth lies in its broad appeal: some treat it as a philosophy, others as a religion, still others as a path of self-development. Druids can be Pagan, or can be followers of other faiths, and a Druid ceremony might include Christian and Buddhist Druids alongside Pagan and Wiccan Druids.

I wish we knew more about the Druids who they were, what they believed who they worshiped and how. The Druids did not write anything down and so all learning was done through the spoken word. So when scholars first wrote about them what was written about them was often written in second hand from those that would have been invaders or enemies at the time such as the Romans when conquering Britain. Your enemy would not have put the most positive of spins on who you were, or what you did and what your motivations were.

As well as a deep and meaningful connection with nature they also believed in equality and the rights of women to be leaders, owners of their own land, possessions and of themselves. This I always thought was tremendously forward thinking for a culture seen as ancient and of a bygone age. I believe you can gain the weight of a person by how they perceive nature to be in connection with themselves and how equally they treat others to themselves. Therefore I have a lot of respect and time for the aspects of Druidry that I have heard of and can relate to still, to how we live or should live our lives today.

The photo below is of Wistmans Wood a beautiful place of nature from here in Devon where I am sure any Druid would love to see.