Questions

[Halo08]

I have some Questions about Druidism.

1)When you are a Druid can you be a Christian?

2)What does it take to become a Druid?

3)I use to be able to speak to an element and other things. But now I am not able to. What should I do?

If I have some more questions, or anyone else, I will post here

[Ron]

i. Yes. Christianity and Druidism can be practised simultaneously.

ii. That's a question that is best answered by the word... everything. Many will say that one should study History, especially Julius Caesar's recounts of the Druids of Gaul. Many will say that to be a Druid is to be a walking encyclopedia of the metaphysical, the "Celts", of History, and of occultic practises. Futhermore, and moreover, many will say that the most important part of [neo] Druidism is a deep deep deep connection with nature.

iii. Speak to an element? What does that even mean? Are you talking about the Wicca elements? Ie. You were able to speak to air? ... regardless of the problem, try meditation; it solves everything. lol!

Lovall.

[John_Mischief]

I have some Questions about Druidism.

1)When you are a Druid can you be a Christian?

2)What does it take to become a Druid?

3)I use to be able to speak to an element and other things. But now I am not able to. What should I do?

If I have some more questions, or anyone else, I will post here

1) It depends on the kind of Druidry. The original druids practiced the native religions of their countries, and not Christianity.

However, in modern times many revisionist brands of Druidry have become popular, and for many of them, you can be any religion and just practice a new age Druid "philosophy".


2) There are many organizations out there, such as the ADF and the OBOD. You would probably want the OBOD, since they are one of the modern Druid societies I was talking about, whereas the ADF tries to be more historically accurate in their practices.

Many druids are simply self declared though, so there is really no prerequisite.


3) I can't really help you there, sorry. It shouldn't prevent you from becoming any sort of Druid though.

[DraoinanDuanaire]

1)When you are a Druid can you be a Christian?

Certainly, although some will not consider you a druid.

2)What does it take to become a Druid?

This depends entirely on whom it is you desire to consider you a druid.

3)I use to be able to speak to an element and other things. But now I am not able to. What should I do?

Try again.

[mothwench]

i. Yes. Christianity and Druidism can be practised simultaneously.

ii. That's a question that is best answered by the word... everything. Many will say that one should study History, especially Julius Caesar's recounts of the Druids of Gaul. Many will say that to be a Druid is to be a walking encyclopedia of the metaphysical, the "Celts", of History, and of occultic practises. Futhermore, and moreover, many will say that the most important part of [neo] Druidism is a deep deep deep connection with nature.

iii. Speak to an element? What does that even mean? Are you talking about the Wicca elements? Ie. You were able to speak to air? ... regardless of the problem, try meditation; it solves everything. lol!

Lovall.
something's wrong here. i'm actually agreeing with two thirds of what you said. :wtf:

[Ron]

something's wrong here. i'm actually agreeing with two thirds of what you said. :wtf:
That's lovely. I said "Many will say", not "most".

In any case, disagreeing with me is splendid... so when are you going to female-dog at me?

[Halo08]

When I mean elements I mean air. I have always had a intrest in nature but I have also always been a Christan. What is ADF and OBOD? I have tried meditaion, even with a crystal. But I will keep on tring. I won't mined if people keep on replying because the more opinions the better.

Thank you
Halo

[John_Mischief]

When I mean elements I mean air. I have always had a intrest in nature but I have also always been a Christan. What is ADF and OBOD? I have tried meditaion, even with a crystal. But I will keep on tring. I won't mined if people keep on replying because the more opinions the better.

Thank you
Halo

The ADF (Ár nDraíocht Féin) and OBOD (Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids) are druid organizations that you can become part of. The ADF site is here (http://www.adf.org/core/) and the OBOD is here (http://druidry.org/)

[Halo08]

some more questions.
Is there other groups or types of Druidry?
What are some ways to meditate?

Thank you for answering past questions.

Halo

[Sonic Seamus]

One of the first things to learn in anything.........[drum roll]

is learning how to learn. It sounds like you've got a lot of homework to do as you have some great questions. Try searching or using the portals of this site. You'll be surprised just how much information is readily accessible around here.

[Ron]

some more questions.
Is there other groups or types of Druidry?
What are some ways to meditate?

Thank you for answering past questions.

Halo
DruidRY is a specific path of DruidISM. Try searching around on here, and on google. "Seek an' ye shall find."

[KellyP]

some more questions.
Is there other groups or types of Druidry?
What are some ways to meditate?



I would offer two books as good places to start: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism ... and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Meditation.

It may go without saying that both of these books assume the reader has no prior knowledge about either topic. For that reason alone they can be essential foundation readings or even very simplistic reviews for those readers that are more experienced. It helps sometimes to read such basic books to sort of shake loose the 'baggage' we build up in our personal practices.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Paganism does a fair job of introducing the reader to the most common pagan paths: Wicca, Druidry, and Shamanism. I like the author's inclusion of simple little questionnaires that can help to identify which path may best suit your interests. He also has some nice references to the largest organizations of modern pagan practices.

While I am here, I will offer my two cents on the other questions as well.

Yes you may be a druid and be a christian, if your druid practices are focused on a philosophy rather than a religion. Some modern druid organizations emphasize that their approach to druidry mixes well with any religion. Generally, those organizations which focus on druidry as a religion are hard polytheistic or perhaps pan polytheistic and focus on following pantheons which existed prior to the Christianization of Europe.


What does it take to become a druid? Well, since Druid is not an officially recognized title of any sort outside of a specific organization, the only requirements that exist are those within an organization you choose. You can pin a nice shiny gold star on your chest with the word Druid stencilled in crayon and accept the title. Organizations such as ADF or OBOD generally have circles or schools etc that one may progress through to receive recognition within their membership.

Finally, you once were able to talk to an element? That is fantastic! I am not so fortunate as to have experienced such a thing in my long life. From what I understand though, some of the keys to such experiences include relaxation, practice, and reflection. As others have mentioned meditation would be an excellent place to start. Good luck on reconnecting with your skills and keep us posted on your progress!

KellyP
heathenish not-quite-druid of the prairie

[Halo08]

Thank You everyone for the help and I will try out what you all have said.

[teleri]

some more questions.
Is there other groups or types of Druidry?


You might find some useful information on various types of modern Druid groups starting here (http://www.nachtanz.org/SReed/mod_druids1.html).

Teleri

[Morgaine_cla]

Another branch on the Druid family tree is represented here: http://www.AvalonDruidOrder.org

There are many, many others. Some of my favorites are the smaller groups that still honor and follow an oral tradition... Yup. They're still out there.

Many blessings!