What is Druidry?

Interesting question that came up on the AODA discussion list. Someone wanted to know more about structure for AODA's take on druidry. It was an interesting discussion to follow. I didn't get involved because I wasn't quite sure where the original querant was trying to go at first. Also, I'm not really into discussing high theological subject matter generally speaking. I was an acolyte for a few years in the Anglican Episcopalian church (American), helped found and maintain a coven, and worked on my own. But never went to a seminary or similar pagan line of study; closest to that has been joining AODA.

So, what is druidry? Well, it isn't a religion. It's more a framework within which people can find a way to include their religion. It' s a way of thinking, a way of life. It's about respect for all life.

A lot of folks these days seem approach that which is in the world as being put there for their convenience. Some folks include other people in that way of thinking. This is the sort of attitude that has helped to lead to the fine state of affairs we currently find ourselves in. When plants, minerals and animals are not respected and valued in and of themselves, the world falls out of balance. When people fail to understand where the place of each thing and creature, including themselves, stands in the world, poor decisions are made and everyone suffers.

Folks seeking balance find a lot of different ways to do that. For some that means becoming vegan. For some it's moving to the country. For others it's finding a way to have a lower impact on the environment no matter where they live. Many different ideas are out there, like the 100-mile diet, getting more exercise paired with not driving as much, finding other entertainments besides watching tv or movies, snowshoeing instead of snowmobiling, etc.

For the thoughtful person, eventually the entire way of life comes to be viewed under the microscope. The whole way of life is reviewed and if found wanting, then the search begins for creating a way of life that makes more sense.

I've looked at a few different ways, and am working on making changes at every level. Buddhism and Taoism (the philosophy not the other thing) have some interest for me; more the latter than the former perhaps, hard to say. What I was looking for in my way of life, was something that affirmed my personal respect for the spirit within each thing or creature within the universe. Certainly you can find that in Buddhism, although most of the people I found seemed to emphasize meditation and in general more people-oriented inner spiritual paths. As an artist I found that incomplete, that folks were often missing what is said in the books, that a life only of the mind is not the true path to oneness with the universe.

In the local Wiccan community I've found some pretty interesting people, but once again, more dreamers than doers. Some are more flexible and open-minded, some more conservative -- much like you'll find in any religious organization, but in general they lacked the focus and balance I was hoping to find. When I was younger I would have dug deeper, but now I have it within me that I need to work at a more intense pace, so either I work alone and with my husband only on what I want to make happen, or find people who are on the same track.

This is not to say that there aren't some great Buddhist and Wiccan groups, only that they weren't to be found on or near the path I'm on, in my little part of the world. Indeed, I think my path will eventually include people from many other paths, in a different context.

Anyway, I started talking with a friend of mine about various things last year, and AODA came up. I'd read some of her posts, think about things, ask questions. Then I went and checked out the web site. I really liked the tone of the thoughts and ways of thinking, and so did my husband L. So after some contemplation, we joined and are on the druid revivalist path.

I find that although I still mostly pursue things on my own, that having a connection to a community of people who are all seeking lives in balance with the world is a great support. The guidelines for study call for more time outdoors and exercise (if possible), both good things. Also meditation, but generally the directed focus type, not the no-mind type. There is a place and time for doing, thinking, observing, and celebrating. Much of it is up to the individual, which suits me just fine.

This flexibility on all levels was key to my interest in druidry and in particular to the AODA. There are a lot of things I do regularly, but going to weekly services hasn't been one since high school. I enjoyed the monthly circles when the coven was still in the area (almost everyone moved to NH eventually), and I eventually fell out of the practice on my own, especially as my partner who I'd met after the move wasn't comfortable with it, and I was foolish enough to give up more than I should have. S'okay, I got over it -- part of finding my way back to the path I'd been on. And fortunately along with that I found a new partner, someone who was also seeking his way home.

Nowadays, I don't at all mind celebrating the holidays at the times appropriate to them, because they're combined with things that are special and unique to our whole solar system, and it's a joy to be a part of it. On a smaller scale, I like to celebrate spontaneously, whenever some treasure of the world is revealed to me. This is not the sort of thing that fits very well with going some place on a weekly basis... creation is on its own timetable and we would do well to pay heed to that, or we'll miss out on some important things.

I'm only a member of AODA at this point, so I don't know much about the other druid groups aside from having met people who are members of some of the others and they're all great people. Within AODA there are a lot of variations in faith - mostly poly-/pantheist, but I believe there's at least one atheist, and there are Buddhists, Wiccans, a variety of types of Christians, and I'm sure others as well.

The Druid revival comes originally out of the U.K., and has a strong Celtic influence. This would be at least in part because most of the early writings that have survived are Irish and Welsh, with some scattered Scottish and Anglo-Saxon references. I've always loved reading the old stories and plan on going through some of them again this year.

I'm planning on getting some books on ogham this year, although I'll be keeping my I Ching sticks and coins too. I'm half Chinese and half English(mostly) so a bit of a blend is a good thing in my book :) Also, a sense of humor. You can learn a lot from reading the old tales, whether Celtic or Chinese, glean bits of wisdom, advice, and practices. But also, they had a sense of humor and humanness, and that's good to remember too.

So, what is druidry? It is a way of thinking that is open to the many possibilities and events of past, present, and future. It is a respectful, balanced, and joy-filled way of life. It is about service to the environment and so to the community. It is a call to see, be, and do.