Druidry & Neoplatonism?

[blackroseivy]

Hello, as you know I am primarily Druidic by inclination; however, the Neoplatonistic spiritual path appeals to me mightily these days, & my question here is, can the 2 be reconciled?

Neoplatonism, 1st off, embraces a philosophy that worked its way into the 3 monotheistic religions; however, it does, of course, have its roots in pre-Xtian Pagan Platonism. I can't explain it very much more clearly in a few words - it is an extensive journey of the soul through 3 phases: the Soul of Appatite, the Soul of Will, & finally, the Soul of Reason - which result in either Justice or Prudence as a governing virtue (even though it is the more Xtian interpretation of the 2, I lean towards Prudence - or, Wisdom - myself!) It is very Classical in its structure, & in its "color", so to speak.

So, what I ask here is, how compatible are these 2 paths? I do know that there are other Druids (John Michael Greer, for example) who follow 2 paths, more or less these 2 in his case, & are able to reconcile them. I just wondered what other Druids would think of this interesting conundrum, here. ;)

[blackroseivy]

Wow, guess this was one out of left field, ay?? :p Well, I've ultimately come to the conclusion that you can put me somewhere just north of the Apennines, & I'll be happy!

[odubhain]

Wow, guess this was one out of left field, ay?? :p Well, I've ultimately come to the conclusion that you can put me somewhere just north of the Apennines, & I'll be happy!Anything that deals with logic, philosophy and reason will have the potential of meshing with the ways of Druids. Most religions and philosophies share at least some points and characteristics. I personally like some of the viewpoints of Boethius and the last words of Plotinus:

"Strive to bring back the god in yourselves to the God in the All"

This doesn't mean that I don't believe there is a hierarchy of beings in the universe (some of who are called deities). It does mean that I believe that spirit ties us all together as surely as water flows in a river or makes up the depths of the sea. Just look at all the spirits inhabiting bodies, places, animals,plants and things all around us.

Searles O'Dubhain

[blackroseivy]

Most assuredly! :D

I have decided that I reside in that place I said. Pretty cosmopolitan, at that - a crossroads of many things. I like to think of spirituality as a crossroads, the 4 winds meeting in 1 place... Kinda like any great city, or trade route. That's it, you know - trade routes spread far more than goods to the people! :D