Druid questions

[Matsumoto]

Hia! I'm a real neophite when it comesto all thigns druid and I'm sure other people will have questions too but here's mine.

A little while ago I was stalked by a spirit. They were dressed in all black robes and wore a mask of a Great stag skull (the horns were huge) He or she also carried a staff with a tree branch tied to it, it looed to be pine branches or holly, possibly some other tree with brisstles. I associate myself with pine trees as a side note. But the figure stood or sat at a distence just watching me. They didn't attack me or spoke a single word, they just watched me.

I was wondering if anyone knew of such a figure in Druid lore, I had deep intuision that someone here might know.

[Fideal]

I have no idea really. The only thing I can think of is that the skull thing reminds me of the Grey Mare, a horse skull that was carried around the village around midwinter/christmas. But that wasn't a stag. Maybe a spirit guide of some sort?

As to being new at druid-like things...read meh (http://wildideas.net/cathbad/druid.html)

[Seren_]

The way you describe it sounds like a guardian of some sort. Maybe it was a personal guardian/spirit guide?

Depending on the context of how you met it, perhaps they were waiting for you to approach it?

[Matsumoto]

Well I had a gaurdian at one time, he was re-assigned so I don't think he or she is a gardian. Maybe a guide but each time I approche they disappear, or avoid my contact. They just watch me. I don't feel threatened I'm just a bit cautious and I'd like to know more about my watcher.

And asfar as meeting he or she just showed up one day and has been lingering in the darkness and in the back of my mind ever since.

[Seren_]

"Watchers" are another term for guardians...Specifically those that act as protection, rather than "guides". Maybe you could do with something like that right now? People often find they have more than one at any given time, or might find them as and when necessary.

In Welsh myth, one tale springs to mind where Pwyll sees Rhiannon, falls in love with her and pursues her. Each time she ran away, until Pwyll found the right way to approach her.

Timing might be key in successfully approaching them? Maybe they want you to know they're around, so you're ready for them when the time is right to engage in conversation. If that's the case, brace yourself...

[Fideal]

In Welsh myth, one tale springs to mind where Pwyll sees Rhiannon, falls in love with her and pursues her. Each time she ran away, until Pwyll found the right way to approach her.

The other thing that myth tells us is to *ask*! Matsumoto, have you tried contacting your stranger? If he doesn't respond right away, you could try offering him some Ale first.

[Matsumoto]

Ow...I offered him Ale and he hit me on the head with his staff (but in a seeming joking way) He's like a statue, I can be sitting right next to him and he doesn't respond, just looks at me and walks away, sits and keep staring. I'm so puzzled by him (I'm pretty sure its a him now, he sighed and had a man's voice)

One thing I know though. He killed the stag that is now his skull mask, with his staff and bare hands. Strange little fellow. I can see through the mask, though I can;t see spesific details on the face i can see 2 symbols beneith the eyes, I'll draw them on paint and post them in a minute

[Phi]

I am newly studying Druidry, so I may be of little help. However Twig has left the forum, and Myrddyn my teacher, is away for a few weeks. Perhaps some more knowledgable folks will be along presently to assist you.

I notice in your first post you spoke of "they" as if plural? Then in later posts spoke of a single one. Did a group appear at first, then a singular one? Also, I note that you spoke of this one as being "little?" Any more description might help a bit.

Druid robes (insofar as I know, at least in historical readings I have done thus far) usually are white/light in color, so the black robes...I don't know.

If the fellow is little, perhaps a fae being?

[Matsumoto]

oh sorr for the confuson, I used "they" to try and convey genderlessness while I as figuring out thier gender. I wish you could upload pics, I'm hving trouble uploading the face paint picture. He's sorronded by a green smoke now. I'm trying to get a fix on his energy signature. His core color is most definatly green though.

[Phi]

There are legends that refer to the "Green Man" which some think to be Celtic.

I found a site with some artists renditions of what they think of the legend. Perhaps you can find some answers there?
Also there are links to legends on the page.
http://www.endicott-studio.com/galgreen.html

[Matsumoto]

Thanks for the information Psi! Alas but none of the pictures rang any bells. This mystery being continues to be a mystery to me. I got him to say something I think. "Goden Tahl" Not sure what language or what it means but he hasn't anything else *pokes him with a stick*

[Fideal]

Hmm...could it be a manitou? I don't really know anything about them, except that the Native Americans knew about them...I think they're a bit like faeries in North America. They don't like alchohol, which would explain him hitting you. Do you have any butter or milk to offer him? If you smoke he might like a cigarrette.

[girlharmony]

Goden Tahl hmmm. i've heard that before. No idea where or when, but I have.
Goden is 'Gods/God/Diety' in Dutch and Swedish, I believe.
Tahl (or Tal) is 'Sum' or 'Number', also in Dutch and Swedish. methinks

and then, well, Guten Tag which is "hello" or "good morning" in german, but that's not quite right.

[Matsumoto]

Hmm he reacted when I read the part about being a native american spirit. Though when I spoke the words Goden tal back to him as if asking if what he was refering to he spoke:

"Goden Tal Ken modan sol an keris atal"

Still no clue what it means. He does smoke, the pipe loks possibly native american and has patterns around it, with a pine brannch around it, the branch is distnctly pine. He is ignoring the butter and milk however. Thanks for you help guys! this mystery is slowly coming unraveled! :)

[tree_guy]

last time i checked, druids weren't about killing sacred animals with their hands and sacred materials (trees,...moreso, a stave), so your healer is probably not druid, or at least not of the european descendants of the practiced faith.
the pine tree additions to your healer's garb would suggest a north american descent.
however, i am lost as to the black robes mentioned as being worn.
and it doesn't like the traditional offerings of alcohol, milk, or butter, so to suggest the absence of fae qualities.
but it smokes and it looms, and it hasn't left your side yet.
this is why i would suggest that you have a healer by your side.....but of what origin, is hard to say. a healer that kills sacred animals, refuses lush offerings, but chooses a degenerating substance as a preferred gift, that being chemically-treated tobacco. almost sounds negative in a way,...to me anyway, but i don't know.

what type of faith do you study?
perchance by way of your practiced belief, in lies the answer?

[Ladyvi]

what have you been delving into laterly in the mundane .. and where have you been astrally and why.

not all watchers are guardians. he seems to be using the cerrunos correspondence. and from your description isnt a shining ones. you want lore im the wrong one to ask.. but i can tell you what it maybe once you answer my questions. i operate on my memory not written history which are sensitive to the conquorers and in my opinion biased.

[Fideal]

last time i checked, druids weren't about killing sacred animals with their hands and sacred materials (trees,...moreso, a stave), so your healer is probably not druid, or at least not of the european descendants of the practiced faith.
the pine tree additions to your healer's garb would suggest a north american descent.
however, i am lost as to the black robes mentioned as being worn.
and it doesn't like the traditional offerings of alcohol, milk, or butter, so to suggest the absence of fae qualities.
but it smokes and it looms, and it hasn't left your side yet.
this is why i would suggest that you have a healer by your side.....but of what origin, is hard to say. a healer that kills sacred animals, refuses lush offerings, but chooses a degenerating substance as a preferred gift, that being chemically-treated tobacco. almost sounds negative in a way,...to me anyway, but i don't know.

what type of faith do you study?
perchance by way of your practiced belief, in lies the answer?

Druids of Old did practive animal (and possibly human sacrafice. The cut down trees and the things on trees (mistletoe). A winter folk custom in some celtic countries was to have Grey Mary, or the Grey Mare, paraded around the city, violently looking for her young, only to be placated by a bit of candy from a child. The Grey Mare was a horses *skull*. Though I agree that he is not a druid.

I do think he's a Native spirit. The don't like alchohol apparently, and I don't know if he'd even really be familiar with butter or milk. The Native spirits *do* like tobbacco and Sweetgrass, I know that, and it makes sense he'd be smoking.

Hmm. The same place that said not to offer Alchohol to Native spirits said they might like berries or shiny things. You could try that I guess. Language barries are quite difficult, aren't they!

[tree_guy]

Druids of Old did practive animal (and possibly human sacrafice. The cut down trees and the things on trees (mistletoe). A winter folk custom in some celtic countries was to have Grey Mary, or the Grey Mare, paraded around the city, violently looking for her young, only to be placated by a bit of candy from a child. The Grey Mare was a horses *skull*. Though I agree that he is not a druid.

I do think he's a Native spirit. The don't like alchohol apparently, and I don't know if he'd even really be familiar with butter or milk. The Native spirits *do* like tobbacco and Sweetgrass, I know that, and it makes sense he'd be smoking.

Hmm. The same place that said not to offer Alchohol to Native spirits said they might like berries or shiny things. You could try that I guess. Language barries are quite difficult, aren't they!

yeah, that makes sense....but the practice of taking from nature was rather involved, ergo, ritualistic. one must ask if they can take before latching on...ie) hunting, bucking wood, etc.)
and sure, tobacco is a natural offering, but not the tobacco of today....fig tobacco would be used, not something that is rich in cancer causing agents...compare to sweetgrass.
and the new angle of offering baubles and berries....this would suggest a bird spirit, a crow or raven or magpie, perchance. crows and ravens suggest enlightenment, but magpies suggest death and disease. let's hope its the former!...so, an easy way to read into the bird aspect would be to read into Haida traditions (my educated guess), as i believe this tribe holds the raven (??) in the most highest regard....(may also be the eagle, not too sure)....but that is a good starting point.

[Matsumoto]

Actually I talked to a devout Druid. She told me that the black druid robes are that of the spirit world, the white are of this physical one. And though another friend who is tronger in the astral than I told me that his name means "Dweller of trees, priest of the forest" I can;t remebr his true name but his nickname is "Shi" It turns out I hadsomething of his that I didn't realize I had. A pine cone charm attacked with a web like string and berries. He's also stalking me becuase he likes me evedently...such a normal reason heehee.

[Ladyvi]

seems like some sort of test.. but then everything is a test it seems. could be someone that will make sure you dont astral to somewhere you dont need to go where you maybe hurt. and yes you can get hurt in the astral. come back many times with physical bruises and scrapes. even though you can astral easily its not a question of if you can go its if you should. there are many planes of pleasure and pretty things. there are just as many of the opposite. and plenty inbetween. there are somethings out there that will take a piece out of you.

the being could be a way of initiation. a right of passage so to speak.

[Matsumoto]

Well usually places where people shouldn't go are blocked off (like heavan, I went fot the gold and got flinged away by a massive blocker shield) My friend communicated with him more last night (becuse Ilack the skillof universal language) and basically he watched me becuase I had soemthing of his and I'm also a tree spirit so he liked me. He ust wated to be a part of my group and offered me a helped hand. I'm still not sure what to make of him though.

I suppose time will tell. I wish he'd take the mask off though (he says its his face, but I can see through the mask)

[tree_guy]

I'm also a tree spirit so he liked me. He ust wated to be a part of my group and offered me a helped hand. I'm still not sure what to make of him though.

I suppose time will tell. I wish he'd take the mask off though (he says its his face, but I can see through the mask)

neat.
does that make you a dryad, then? (dryad=tree spirit)
wow. how did you become a tree spirit? praytell...i must know.
back to phi's idea that you should look into stories of The Green Man, and even perhaps, Pan.
since you are a tree spirit, you should have no problems dealing with or finding Pan as a means of answering the questions you pine to solve.
and since you are a tree spirit, you might also want to read into elementalism, as a means of finding answers, as this may be a step in the right direction for you!
getting closer...

[Matsumoto]

"answers you pine for" heehee great pun! My name means "origin of pine" I wasn't always a tree spirit though. I died a long time ago (this is in my lives before I chose humanity) My spirit was sort of in a state of limbo, I couldn't do anything just waft around in a daze. Then the 7 elder pine trees brought me back and gave me new life in this exsistence. So from now on I'm Matsumoto, Origin of pine. My nickname "Nana" means 7.

So yeah, I can talk to trees, pines are most friendly to me. I like blue spruces best, they're really prickly on the outside but all heart on the inside. SO yeah, if you want to know more I have AIM ^_~

[tree_guy]

i wouldn't worry to much about your friend in the robes....just be wary....your gift of spirit is rather formidable....just walk softly.
you gotta kick back and listen to the wind and chat with the squirrels.
the answer could take awhile to get to you, but you will figure out a lot more in the time it takes to garnish an answer.
just hang out with the trees, they'll help ya with stuff...they got nothing but time.
have a good one.

[Matsumoto]

Heehee I'm actually more friendly with wolves and badgers than squirrels, they jitter too much. And thanks for the advice. ^-^ see you around.

[girlharmony]

all this talk about your hooded friend makes me wonder if I should try talking to the elegant woman who always seems two steps behind me- if I speak to the cats, I dont see why not.

[Matsumoto]

Yeah, stalkers need to be adressed lol! Shi is nice though I can tell his presence wards off lumber jack spirits ;)

[Grace]

Sounds like a cult.
Here is one similar
Initiates and Priests identify themselves with the following symbols: stag skull or stylized human head with antlers (representing Taal's aspect as lord of the beasts), or stone axe (for his aspect as weather god) with which Taal is said to use to cause thunder, lightning, and avalanches. Priests wear robes of grey, dark brown, and drab green decorated with one or more of his symbols. Token is a wooden medallion with either golden antlers or silver stone axe device. Cult token may also be of other natural symbols: trees, mountain peaks, etc. Scouts (Society of the Bear) identify themselves with the symbol of a bear, bear's paw, or necklace of bear teeth. They tend to wear hooded cloaks and clothing befitting those living with nature, usually colored with browns and greens.

Distinguishing Principles and Doctrines: Never harm any animal except in self-defense, for food, for need, or sacrifice. Obey the laws of nature and only take as food the weak and sick, never the fit or strong. Protect the natural world from destruction at the hands of those who would despoil the wilderness. Give back to nature an equal measure of what one receives from it. Always respect the animals of the wild, regardless of whether they are prey or predator.

All Initiates and Priests must ritually hunt and capture an animal for sacrifice to Taal. The sacrifice must be performed once per month during the dark of the moon. In addition, all Priests must spend seven days and seven nights each year living alone in the wilderness such as a forest or mountain. They must begin their vigil on the winter solstice, communing with nature throughout and subsiding on whatever they catch. Further, all Initiates and Priests are prohibited from wearing metal armor, but they may use shields and any type of weapon except firearms and explosives.





Afterworld: After death, the spirit of the deceased enters a wooded paradise. In an eternal climate of mid-spring, the spirit finds rest after a life of toil and hardship. Here, the spirit communes with nature and is at peace. At times, spirits may engage in activities such as hunting, even though the quarry is never killed. The hunt, in this case, represents the thrill of the stalk and pursuit of prey, not the final felling. In addition, the spirit can assume any animal form and shapechange continuously as they desire. Some will do so to match wits with another who is in the role of the hunter.





Temples and Shrines: The vast majority of the temples to Taal are in, or on the edges of, the wilderness. As there is no recognized center of worship, each temple is usually self-reliant and generally does not have much contact with any other.

Temples to Taal are generally circular and built of rough, unmortared stone with conical roofs. The oldest temples, which are found in the northern Empire (the largest of which is located outside of Wolfenburg in Ostland), have timber-framed roofs covered with thatch or turf. Containing only a circular, central hearth, temples of Taal are empty. There are no statues, altars, seats, nor any other furnishings. The hearth is built up from the floor in two or three rows of stone walling and usually faced with bison or bear skulls.

Shrines of Taal take several forms from miniature temples to sacred grooves like those utilized by the cult of the Earth Mother. Grooves of Taal are marked by a skull of a stag, bison. or bear hung on the oldest (and largest) tree. Mountain shrines take the form of a cairn topped by the skull of a stag, bison, or bear. As a sign of respect, it is customary for all passers-by to add a stone to the cairn.

I would not be happy with any stalking no matter what their rationalization.
Take care dear friend..

If they appear again I would send them on their way..by force if necessary
If you did not invite them and they are not asking for a meeting with you, their stalking is enough cause to send them away quickly.

[Ladyvi]

not at all a cult.. if it was a cult the spirit would have used strong arm tactics by now. the signature and auric patterns should say who and what he is if you reach back to the core of your own memory.

[Matsumoto]

A quick news update! One of my dearest spirit friends was hurt by an unknown presence, he too is a tree spirit. Shi helped me anchorhis spirit and he is now healing him slowly. ^^ Prehaps this was one of the reasons he is staying soclose by, maybe there are indeed "Lumberajack" spirits around and he's chilling to bring them to justice. ^_^.

[Grace]

A quick news update! One of my dearest spirit friends was hurt by an unknown presence, he too is a tree spirit. Shi helped me anchorhis spirit and he is now healing him slowly. ^^ Prehaps this was one of the reasons he is staying soclose by, maybe there are indeed "Lumberajack" spirits around and he's chilling to bring them to justice. ^_^.

Indeed you don't seem worried .
Enjoy

[gaduca]

i need help.. what are the modern day practices and beliefs of druids :toofless:

[Fideal]

i need help.. what are the modern day practices and beliefs of druids :toofless:

Read this: http://wildideas.net/cathbad/druid.html

Then, learn to start new threads.

[gaduca]

Read this: http://wildideas.net/cathbad/druid.html

Then, learn to start new threads.
thank you