Alternative Religions profiles
c Steve Barbour/Getty Images
History/Founder: The origins of Celtic Druidry are unknown. Various people have been credited with the founding of the Druid revival. Most important of these were The Druid Circle of John Toland and Henry Hurle of the Ancient Order of Druids, both of the eighteenth century, and the modern descendent of Toland's group, The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, founded in 1964 by Nuinn Ross-Nicholls. The ADF, a popular American group, was founded by an ex member of Ross-Nicholls' group, Isaac Bonewits.
Current leader/governing body: As most Druid revival groups are independent, there is no authoritative leadership.
Modern Day Druids at a ceremony at Stonehenge
c Steve Barbour/Getty Images
Number of Adherents: According to the American religious identification survey, there were 33,000 self-identified Druids in the US as of 12/01. There are no global figures available at this time..
Clergy: The classical division of the Druid Classes (as noted by Roman writers) used by many modern Druid groups are:
- Bard- The Creatives- musicians, poets, and skilled artisans
- Ovate- the Priesthood, including diviners and seers, as well as those skilled in religious argument.
- Druid- the Legal arm, including judges, lawyers, and others learned in secular and law.
Requirements to join: Varies, although some form of initiation is usually performed, and the majority of Groves/Druid Orders have learning requirements for initiation/advancement.
Church/temple: Most Druid worship takes place in groves. These may be literal (preferably Oak groves) or figurative (homes or temples).
Scripture: None, although a common source for Celtic mythology is the Mabingion, a collection of mythological stories and legends. Arthurian mythology also figures in many traditions. Most groups will use their own hymns, prayers, and songs, or those created by other groups.
Required observances, dietary restrictions: Varies according to the practitioner. The majorityof practicing Druids tend to promote respect for the environment, and many are activists or conservationists. It is generally considered wrong to harm trees unnecessarily.
Code of Conduct: Varies, but concepts of loyalty, the Rule of Law, and emphasis on learning are commonly stressed. Many groups derive moral and ethical behavior rules from the Brehon laws, the ancient Celtic system of laws.
A Druid priest in Great Britain blesses the Mistletoe harvest
c Christopher Furlong /Getty Images
Basic teachings and Beliefs of Druidry: The goals of most Druid revival groups is to approximate true Druid practices as closely as possible. This is difficult, as the historical Druids left no written religious works, and their oral traditions have largely perished- most informnation we have today comes from folk stories, archaological evidence, and from the accounts of outside observers. Druid Revivial groups focus more or less on personal interpretation of Druidry, leading to a wide variety of beliefs within the Recon community. Among the attitudes held in common is a deep reverence and respect for nature, and an affinity for woodlands. Ancient Celtic runes, and a divination system based on the Celtic Ogham alphabet are also commonly used by modern Druids. In addition, most groups attempt to approximate the Druid Social Order outlined above.
Holidays and observances: Common holidays are the Equinox and Solstice celebrations. Most adhere to traditional Celtic fire festivals such as Samhain (Hallowe'en) and Beltaine (May day).
Symbols of Druidry: The most commonly recognized symbol of modern druidry is the Awen, or three rays. Ogham letters are sometimes used by individuals, as are sacred plants such as oak leaves, mistletoe, or acorns. Various organizations have developed their own symbols, some of which have become common.
This is only a small selection of Druid Symbols available on this site. For more information on these and many more ancient and modern Druid and Celtic emblems, please see Druid/Celtic symbols.
Myths and misconceptions: A pernicious misconception about Druidry past and present is the accusation of human sacrifice. Modern Druids do not practice any form of sacrifice, and the evidence that ancient Druids sacrificed anyopne other than criminals is sparse and not well substantiated. Conversely, rumors that Christians slaughtered Druids and mowed down sacred groves are also greatly exaggerated.* Druids in fact found their beliefs compatible with early Christianity, and the Celtic conversion to Christianity was one of the least bloody. Druids in Ireland took refuge in Christian monasteries and some of the most famous Celtic saints may have had Druid roots.
*In most cases, the Romans had already done that.
Druid Links:
- Druid resources
Links to more information for and about Druids modern and ancient- Groups, rituals, symbols, plant lore and much more.
- Druid Image Gallery
Images of historic Druids and related items (wickermen, groves, etc.)
- The Ogham
The Tree-based language used as a divinatory tool by modern Druids. Learn the Ogham alphabet and print out divination cards.
- Druid Organizations
Modern Druid Organizations- Groves, Orders, and other groups worldwide.
- Druid Symbols
Symbols of Druid groups, ancient Celtic and Pictish symbols, and more, illustrated and explained.
- Druid Rituals
A collection of rituals and Ceremonies- weddings, naming ceremonies, calendar rituals, more.
- Mistletoe
Mistletoe history, mythology, and lore.
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