Are you a Druid in your heart?

[flar7]

Dont think you're a druid?
But yet you always seem to be in touch with nature or animals?
What do you think defines being a druid? caretaker? celtic? or
love of life and nature? respect of the ways of the forest?


Lets hear it? and remember.....not necessary to fight over, its opinion
and feelings. On this thread anyway.:)

[dobunni]

This is one description that I like:

WE ARE DRUID
By: Austin Wilson

We are Druid that seek to know ourselves and nature in
its purest form.

We are Druid that live and walk a path of seeking
understanding. Not only of the world we live in but
the countless worlds that live within each of us.

We are Druid that ask the questions no one else will
ask. Can I be more without making you less?

We are Druid that realize that the world was not put
here for our use but we are here for her care. And in
turn find we are welcome.

We are Druid that know it is not about the destination
but the journey itself that gives our lives meaning.

***************

And if you want to get into specifics, a friend of mine (Brochfael) drew up the following checklist:

Bard:
Good personal reputation for honourable behaviour
Thorough working knowledge of Celtic Mythology
Storytelling ability
Ability to play a musical instrument without people running away screaming
Good working knowledge of history
Some knowledge of Norse/Germanic and classical mythology
Some knowledge of World mythology
Some knowledge of Law
Some knowledge of comparitive religion
Some knowledge of healing and first aid
Some knowledge of divination
Some knowledge and ability in conducting ritual

Uatis (aka Ovate Ofydd):
Ideally all the above plus:
Good working knowledge of comparitive religion and Thealogy/Theology
Thorough knowledge of at least one form of healing
Good working knowledge of other forms of healing and first aid
Thorough grounding and ability in at least one form of divination
Good working knowledge of a couple of other forms and some idea of several
more.
Good working knowledge of ritual
Some leadership and mangement skills

Druid:
Ideally all the above plus:
Thorough working knowledge of Celtic religion and philosophy.
Good working knowledge of other pagan and monotheistic faiths and philosophy
Good working knowledge of modern local and national Law
Ideally some knowledge of Ancient Law
Good working knowledge of Politics
Good working knowledge of History
Thorough working knowledge of ritual including seasonal rites and rites of
passage
Good working knowledge of magic
Good management abilities
Unimpeachable personal reputation.

And obviously the most important part: That feeling that touches the heart and soul, that deep, deep connection to the land...... this land and the deep connection and reverence to our
ancestors and spirit. The feeling of standing barefoot on the land and sensing the power and energy surge through your body. A laser shard touching the soul, it's a call to the spirit, a yearning, that started way back when and forever connects you to this land.

dobunni
/|\

[Maggie]

Originally posted by flar7
Dont think you're a druid?
But yet you always seem to be in touch with nature or animals?
What do you think defines being a druid? caretaker? celtic? or
love of life and nature? respect of the ways of the forest?


Lets hear it? and remember.....not necessary to fight over, its opinion
and feelings. On this thread anyway.:)


I have a question in return..........:D

Why is the word 'druid' always the one associated with the characteristics you mention? All of them can be found in any earth-based religion--or even in the 'mainstream' religions. ;)

Historically it only described a functionary in the ancient celtic societies, it's interesting (to me, anyway) how it apparently has come to mean something else. I'm not convinced that a historical druid would recognize what the meaning has become.


Maggie

[flar7]

a historical druid would say, "eeek! Romans!! and run for his life,
before the armies of Ceasar killed him!"

[Persephone]

For me personally, being a druid means having a special connection with my town. I love this little town, and I walk all around town. I know the places by the plants, animals, and unseen "forces" in each area. In the last year, I started working in my town because I wanted all of my energies here. I give the area my love and energy, and it returns the love and energy.

I guess what I'm saying is that in addition to the plants and animals and elements and such, being a druid means being connected to the place in a metaphysical way, supporting each other.

[Pan]

I was wondering anyone's opinion on this again? Not many replies ...

I don't really know what I think about it. 8O

[JimWA]

Thak you Dobunni for taking the time for that post. I pretty much agree with you.

I'll need to think some to make a proper response though, catch you all later. Jim

[IvyCeltress]

I guess I would consider my self leaning towards Druid, since I have the instinctive pull toward it but haven't studied it yet. Heck that's one of the reasons I joined the board.

[Twig]

See the things I miss when I'm without a valid server!!? :bastard: I know one thing. I better be good at first aid cause I tripped over the fan and my leg ain't stopped bleeding. :geez: well off for some ice.

I'll respond in a few.

Peace,
Twig
:elf:

[SylverStar]

Well I'm not Druid. I don't relate myself to anything celtic. I actually lean towards more greek mythology. I do revere nature and consider our job as humans to care for Gaia. For some reason Druidism does not feel right to me, but I've never actually really studied it.

[JimWA]

I can tell stories, I can write poetry, heck I enjoy poetry. I love mythology. I know mythology, but don't ever listen to me sing or play a musical instrument. I'm about as musical as finger nails grating on a chalkboard. The funny thing is most of my chidren are musically inclined. Well 3 out of 4 ain't bad. My only question is how'd that happen. Jim

[Myrddyn Emrys]

Not quite true...

When the Romans took the Isle now called Anglesey, the Druids, both male and female fought to the very last to defend their Holy Sanctuary.

Just because we were peacemakers, scholars, and philosiphers does not mean that we just rolled over for the Romans. They tried to exterminate the Druids, but we're still here. Every death just means a rebirth.

Myrddyn Emrys

[Myrddyn Emrys]

I feel all of that pretty much sums it up...

There is more, but it is on a personal nature to me. I know many people who concider themselves Druids and they have no metaphysical connection to any of it, but for me it is a necessary part.

Myrddyn Emrys

[JimWA]

I'm one of those who would emphasize the more practical than the metaphysical side of druidry. I need to know how a certain practice will effect the way I live my life. I rate myths and stories on how applicable they are to life in these times. What do they tell me on how I should live my life today. Even seeing the world the way a tree does or a cat or a crow enables me to see the world in a larger context. Even in interpersonal relationships it helps because it make s it easier to see things from another persons point of view. All of this has real tangible effects on my life and I couldn't see living any other way. Jim

[Killing_Yggdrasil]

To me, druidry is a study, like philosophy, or automotive care. It's a class almost, something anyone can study, and learn from. It's adaptable.

Being a Druid...that, i see as not being my choice....more like, it beat me over the head, and said "You are, deal with it. now go hug a tree" :lol: It's sort of like Empathy, but on a completely different level. Where Empathy is human emotions, being a Druid, is knowing the lands emotion, knowing how to heal it, knowing how to speak to it. It is a sense, a link with the primordial, and the etheric.

So, one can be a Druid, and never really study druidry. it just comes to you.

well, thats my take on it.

[Myrddyn Emrys]

I think you do just fine, Jim. I do the same, but do work with the metaphysical side of it too.

Myrddyn Emrys

[Pesha]

No am not a Druid. But I revere all nature.. I have an intense need to be near trees...lots of trees. I can communicate with animals and insects. but I am a witch. I can see faces of trees also which is a bit disconcerting.

BB
D'S...also known as...

[Twig]

Iwas. I was being primed for what I am today. for 35 years I learned various and (what I thought) unrelated things with no idea why. Iwent through almost every known religion in a search.

My heart was searching for what I am, what I was to be. The Gods were giving me my schooling...and it almost drove me mad. I am here to say that one can be born a druid with no knowledge of their past or their heritage. Yet it makes no difference if the Gods have it in their plans.

Am I a druid in my heart? Most assuredly I am. For the one who guided me through all of that is 1500 years old and has shown himself. And he was me.

Peace,
Twig
:elf:

[Flar's Freyja]

Dont think you're a druid?
But yet you always seem to be in touch with nature or animals?
What do you think defines being a druid? caretaker? celtic? or
love of life and nature? respect of the ways of the forest?


Lets hear it? and remember.....not necessary to fight over, its opinion
and feelings. On this thread anyway.:)

Amazing, from my Baby, who denies being Pagan! My heart melts when I watch him interact with animals and he loves the ocean, which is very far away from us. If anyone loves life and nature, he surely does.

[flar7]

awwwwwwww....... shucks. :smoochypo :viking:

[Flar's Freyja]

awwwwwwww....... shucks. :smoochypo :viking:

:smooch::smoochypo:smooch:

[Rae ShadowWolf]

I find myself leaning very heavily towards being Druid. I love anything Nature and Celtic related. I'm Scotish and Irish (My entire makeup is European). I don't consider myself a Druid, as I havne't studied much into it. Which is why I will be taking the lessons. =)

[Shy Hawk]

I always considered Druidism as sort of a social or political type of thing. And, in a way, something like a job, and in another way something like tradition. Hmm....me wonders if that makes sense.
But, I always figured that Druidry didn't really have to based on ones ethnicity. I mean, they had knowledge and history of their mythologies and stuff, but its not like it has to be Celtic mythology or histories, am I wrong?
Here's the way I see it. Being a Druid is kinda like being a doctor, lawyer, philosopher, monk, teacher, historian, musician, poet, and farmer all in one. Am I looking at this the wrong way? I didn't really think it nessessarily had to be based on something spiritual or Earthy, although it could be.
Please help sort out my confusion.
~Hawk

[Myrddyn Emrys]

Me thinkest thoust hath summed the equation most eloquently.

Myrddyn Emrys