DRUIDEN

Wicca is defined as a modern form of paganism founded in the 20^th century in Britain and says that it has its origins in early Christian religions.

Druidism is considered a spiritual and religious movement with the goal to promote peace and harmony and a connection to the natural world.  The earlier Druids identified themselves as Christians.

Wiccans make use of “four elements” which are derived from medieval alchemy, which has its origins in Greek philosophy.  The “four elements” are placed in categories according to cardinal directions.  Druidism is based on three realms such as land, sea and sky.

Druids are tree worshippers and the early druids were very conscious of the environment and protecting it.  Wicca is also concerned with the environment, but is not as concerned with tree worship.

The Wicca symbol is the pentacle, which is a star with five points set within a circle.  Druids commonly use the symbol, which has interlocking spirals that meet in the middle known as the triskele.

Generally, the majority of Druids seem to be male, just as it is the majority men who wager at betting sites – for now anyways.  Modern Druidism though is gender inclusive and is happy to accept both men and women into their organisations.  Wicca on the other hand seems to attract mainly women.

Druidism seems to focus more on priestly roles while Wicca is more of a shamanic movement.  Druids are often more concerned with things of an intellectual nature while Wiccans concentrate on being intuitive.

Long white robes are the preferred garments of Druids, while Wiccans prefer black and some Wiccans also wear other colours and some prefer no clothing at all.

Rituals and Beliefs

Both Druids and Wiccans perform various rituals and both movements worship multiple gods.  Wiccans see their gods as archetypes and believe that all gods are one god and the same for goddesses.

All gods therefore come from the same source and deity’s fall into categories depending on the usefulness in spells or rituals.

Druidism believes that all the gods are individuals and there is an emphasis on making offerings to the deities, ancestors and nature.  Many of the gods and goddesses in Druidism are triune in nature.

Revering and adoration of ancestors is an important part of Druidism. Because these movements have similar origins and roots they do tend to celebrate the eight holy days, solstices and equinoxes and various festivals between.

Druids consider all space to be sacred with some spaces considered as more suitable for rituals than others while Wiccans will create a circle and the space within is considered as sacred.

Origins

Druids are from Celtic origin while Wicca has a more Anglo-Saxon or Germanic origin.  Both the Celts and Germanic tribes were similar and they were so similar that the Romans at the time could not tell them apart.

One of the main differences is in the realm of magic.  Germanic magic tends to use objects such as magic rings, swords or runes.  Celtic magic involves things from nature such as magic animals.

A very important part of a Druid’s spiritual journey is prayer and devotion.  There are no particular prayers that are prescribed and Druids may use their own prayers, those that feel right for them.

These prayers will change with circumstances, changes in one’s life and even different prayers for the seasons.

Prayer can involve chanting, singing or speaking.  There can also be periods of silence and prayers and devotions can also involve meditation and other rituals like lighting candles or incense.

Prayer is the service of love and can include various things such as blessings, movements or gestures; it is not always just about words.

For many people, prayer is about asking for things or just as a habit.  For Druids it is also part of their ancestral heritage as well as to give thanks.

For most, gratitude is the main objective of prayer and it is not only about asking for things.  Prayer is not about bargaining or black magic and should never weaken a person.  Prayer is about holding things in one’s heart.

Praying to Ancestors

Ancestors and prayer form an important part of Druidism.  Druids can pray across time and through time and can also receive prayers from others.

Prayer involves drawing on the prayers of ancestors when praying to them, which means the ancestors can reach through and get passed the place where one is stuck and can send spirits, which can find you and send up prayers.

On days when you are feeling stronger it is also good to pray for descendants and leave markers and handholds for when they are in need of help.

Praying for others is part of prayer and remembering them in their times of trouble.  When praying, but not sure about permission then ask the spirits to show you what someone needs or if they are feeling fear or grief.

Keep these in your heart and then pray for what they need most.  Then release it and let the help come.  Praying may cause interference, so it is best to know when to let go and focus on something else, like the sports betting NZ has to offer, exercise or a simple thing like eating or drinking well.

Praying for Others

Praying for others can be done by leaving an opening for them and asking that the person you are praying for will receive what they need.

When looking at prayer for someone else look at that person as one who has great potential and that their original nature will be awakened and raise up their soul even though they may be despairing.  Praying for that person as if they could feel what they need and then receive it.

Prayer is like ripples in a pool that spread to each side of the pool, and then returns to its origin.  Prayer is something invisible and you can do the first step, but then to know when it is time to step away and let the spirits do their work.

There are things that druids do agree on such as their spiritual connection to the living world, their respect for nature and finding inspiration from the druids of old.

Druidism is also a personal journey and many druids find it important to set up a shrine or altar, which is based on their own belief system within druidism.

The altar is a place where offerings are done for a specific purpose possibly.  A shrine is something different and is a place of spiritual significance where one respects or worships.  An altar may be placed near a shrine.

Druids often use the terms altar and shrine interchangeably.  In druidism though, the term altar is used more commonly.

Druids will make altars for various reasons.  It may be a special place that shows an outward expression of an inner spiritual journey.  For druids who have daily meditation an altar is a good place to visit for this.

An altar can also be used for items that have a special significance and can be items like feathers or stones and more objects can be included as one continues on a spiritual path. Just like when you enjoy horse racing betting and your skills evolve, your altar will grow with you.

How to Setup and Altar

Druids may use different areas for their altar such as a shelf or mantle or set aside a space indoors.  An outdoor space can also be used.  Some druids may have more than one space.

Altars may also change as one continues on a spiritual journey and as time goes by other druids or friends may give you objects or items that you can use on your altar.  The altar should change and evolve as you grow and is an important part of creating an altar.

Because druids are concerned about the environment it is important to use objects that do not impact the environment.  These objects should be grown, gathered or made and if gathering things from the environment it is important to ask for permission.

These permissions are in a spiritual sense and where an item originates or is found will in some way determine its energy.  An altar is also to be personal and should include personal items and may include things like shells, stones, woodcarvings, candles, various divination tools, incense or handmade objects.

There are many others, but these are just a few items.  You may also want to include a piece of artwork.

Adapting an Altar

An altar can also be seasonal and can include objects from nature from the different seasons or using cloths or items that are significant to a particular season.  Some druids may also change their altars to reflect each of the eight holidays or change it at the start of each of the four fire festivals.

Many druids also have an altar in their home that honours their ancestors; these can be family, ancestors of the land as well as ancestors of druids from the past.

The altar is also there to honour the spirit guides.  These altars may have a painting of spirit guides or photos of ancestors.

Every living being is considered sacred within Druidry. Just as every plant, tree, and blade of grass is cherished, so is every animal, fish, and bird.

However, just as certain trees receive special veneration in Druidry such as mistletoe and the oak, so do certain animals such as the hind, salmon, and the raven. Continue reading The Significance of Animal Lore in Druidry

The history of Druidic spiritual tradition can be traced over thousands of years and there are four significant periods in history which had a profound impact on the establishment of the Druidic way of life. Continue reading A Brief History of Druidism

The trouble with modern life is that we have disconnected almost entirely from nature, so much so that we may not survive as a species on this planet.

As such, there is an urgent need for spiritualities, ideas, and philosophies which will put us back in touch with Nature and the Old Ways – modernised for today’s use – offers just what is needed. Continue reading The Seven Gifts of Druidism

The Druids as well as many other people believed that particular trees were especially important not only for practical use such as fuel, building materials and making weapons but they also had a spiritual presence.  The trees are living things and are filled with energy and the essence of nature and will have an aura that can be visible to those who have total balance and harmony.  These trees also held healing properties.  Each tree is also associated with a month during the year.

Continue reading The Significance of Trees

Druidism, often referred to as Druidry, is a spiritual movement promoting harmony, connection, and veneration for the natural world, including all beings.

Druidism originated in Britain during the 18^th century first as a cultural movement, but later extended to include religious and spiritual connotations in the 19^th century. Continue reading The Rites, Practices, and Beliefs of Druidism

Druidism is a belief system that is perhaps the oldest in the world. While there have been beliefs and civilisations that predate Druidism, almost all of these have been lost to time, but even today, Druidism exists throughout the world, followed by countless people in all walks of life. Continue reading A Look At How The Druids Of Old Existed

Druidism is one of the oldest belief systems in the world, and is said to span countless centuries dating back as far as 25000 years ago.

Although much of the history at this time has been lost to the ages, much of what we know about the ancient druids is found through the writings of the Romans who conquered many parts of the Western world. Continue reading The Earliest Recordings of Druidism As We Know It