Druid Meditations

[odubhain]

Here's a good link to one way that Druids meditate (as per AODA and John Michael Greer):

http://www.aoda.org/articles/primer.htm

The above technique is one of the three classical ways to achieve knowledge that illuminates. A more specific form of such a meditation is found in the Henge of Keltria's Tree Meditation:

http://www.keltria.org/hengehap/HH70/HH70-BP-Rose.htm

Keltria also has some really good articles and insight on imbas:

http://www.keltria.org/hengehap/HH70/HH70-SP-McGinley4.htm
http://www.keltria.org/hengehap/HH85/HH85-Teine.html

Keltria's pages talk about the basics for achieving imbas but don't get down to the nitty gritty details other than being a form of guided meditation.

ADF also has some informative articles on Druid Meditation:

http://www.adf.org/rituals/meditations/two-powers.html
http://www.adf.org/rituals/meditations/advanced-two-powers.html
http://www.adf.org/rituals/meditations/trance-journey-to-the-three-worlds.html

The ADF pages on meditation are again more of a guided meditation though these are presented against the framework of a dedicant course wherein the student learns the mechanics and basics in mediation techniques like relaxing the body, quieting the breath and stilling the mind.

I teach three forms of meditation that attempt to incorporate time-honored techniques used by Indo-European seers from different traditions. All these use the meditation basics previously mentioned as well as focusing techniques that allow a person the have a single pointed awareness or even have the experience of "nothingness" that is the Void.

In my experience and study of Druid meditation, I've found that one discovers many hidden worlds and much knowledge when all previous thoughts and ideas are put away and the attention is alive to what happens now.

Searles O'Dubhain

[Myrddyn Emrys]

Here's a good link to one way that Druids meditate (as per AODA and John Michael Greer):

http://www.aoda.org/articles/primer.htm

The above technique is one of the three classical ways to achieve knowledge that illuminates.

Yes, we teach and use Discursive Meditation in the AODA, but it is up to the individual member if they use this method or another for their daily practices.

One of our members, Mam Adair, also has a short article on her use of Discursive Meditation
"http://www.aoda.org/articles/dismed.htm"

Another article incorporates the practice of counting Ogham on one's fingers and the potential utilization of such during Discursive Meditation and other practices. http://www.aoda.org/articles/handmed.htm

I believe Discursive Meditation was first formally outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the early 1500's CE in a book called The Spiritual Exercises but I'd hazard a guess the practice has been around longer than that.

[odubhain]

Yes, we teach and use Discursive Meditation in the AODA, but it is up to the individual member if they use this method or another for their daily practices.

One of our members, Mam Adair, also has a short article on her use of Discursive Meditation
"http://www.aoda.org/articles/dismed.htm"

Another article incorporates the practice of counting Ogham on one's fingers and the potential utilization of such during Discursive Meditation and other practices. http://www.aoda.org/articles/handmed.htm

I believe Discursive Meditation was first formally outlined by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the early 1500's CE in a book called The Spiritual Exercises but I'd hazard a guess the practice has been around longer than that.

Certain meditative techniques of focusing on a concept or an object has been used by those seeking enlightenment for the better part of 1200 years if not 2400 years in some forms of Yoga. I would think it is as old as Druidry and Druidism and probably is as old as humanity.

Searles O'Dubhain

[Myrddyn Emrys]

Certain meditative techniques of focusing on a concept or an object has been used by those seeking enlightenment for the better part of 1200 years if not 2400 years in some forms of Yoga. I would think it is as old as Druidry and Druidism and probably is as old as humanity.


And although other techniques date back certainly as early, I'm sure that the Quietist Movement of the 16th and 17th Centuries CE have played a part as well, especially in the Druid Revival Era.

[Micheál]

Not specifically related to Druidry, but the Imramma is a good Irish traditional method. Some of Eblanna Raven's essays are beneficial in that area.

http://eblannaraven.com/imramma.htm

[odubhain]

Thanks for the link. She describes the role of the Imrama in Irish traditions very well. I particularly like the "Homeland" idea. Having one is a finding of one's home or self again. Reading about them in the symbols used by others is more of a dream than and objective experience for me. I also view the Echtraí as being a similar experience and genre. These two forms of experience and tales are a part of my book The Cattle of Tethra. In it, I attempt to discuss the symbols used to describe the mystical experiences from these tales to show how they connect to a common psyche and a shared, human and psychological perception.

Searles O'Dubhain

[Noinden]

I've always had a soft spot for Ian Corrigan's Two powers meditation, in Sacred Fire Holy well, he goes into even greater depth on it.

I also like Brendan Myers way of meditation, he starts almost every book with how to do it, it involves sitting against a tree and just observing :)