Index
Druidry in America from a Personal Perspective
Druidry focuses on Celtic deities, landmarks, languages, and practices. I am a druid(ess) who lives in America. Thus, problems arise due to my location. How do I resolve these? How can I still follow my druidic path, though I am in a different land?
The simplest solution for me lies in my view of druidry. I look at it in two ways—first, that there are a certain set of principles or ideas admirable in the true Druid (what I aspire to) which can be used universally, and then secondly, that I am in exile from my homeland—the land of my ancestors. Foremost, druidry is about qualities or characteristics, not dogma and tenets of belief. For example, druids seek to show compassion and love always. Is this exclusive to druidry? No. Other spiritualities and religions focus on this too, like Buddhism, Sufism, even Christianity. So what makes it a druidic quality? Compassion fits into druidry because it is a truth illustrated through Celtic tales, songs, divinations, ideas, ect. You see, truth is truth—it’s all about how we understand that truth. Sufism uses Muslim and Persian explanations. Buddhism uses Eastern explanations. And thus, druidry uses Celtic explanations.
Let me elucidate on this further. Inherently, even explanations are similar—thus why there are universal symbols and tales—but each culture has its distinctive “flavor” with which it colors those explanations. This slight variation can be seen on a small level among druids. For example, an Irish druid would call the god of the sea Manannan mac Lir, while a Welsh druid would call the god of sea Manwyddan ap Llyr. The difference here is in language—Irish gaelic and welsh. So consider, religions the world over (the non-dogmatic ones, i.e. mystic branches of orthodox faiths such as the Sufis of Islam, the Gnostics of Christianity, or the Kabbalahists of Judaism, as well as paganism) are saying the same things, just speaking a different language. Let’s take the god illustration one step further. A druid might call the sun-warrior deity Lugh, while one following a Persian tradition would call this figure Mithras. In the end, the character is the same—just viewed through a different cultural lens.
So where does all this lead me? That, to be a druid, does not mean I must be in the Celtic lands, but rather that I have a Celtic perspective on those universal ideas. One of the many reasons I personally have decided to take the Celtic perspective is because of my ancestry. I am of Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Manx, and English descent. Whether the Celtic view appeals to me because of genetic disposition (it is of my ancestors) or because of spiritual disposition (it is of my soul), I don’t know, though I believe it is a combination of both. In the end, it doesn’t matter that I’m not a citizen of a Celtic nation—for those lands are in my heart, and by continuing to keep a Celtic perspective (druidry), I honor my ancestors, their gods, and their lands.
On a practical level, how can I apply druidry to my life—even as I live in America?
First of all, I have listed nine qualities which I try to emulate in my own life. As I explained in the above paragraphs, they are not exclusively druidic, but they can be carried out using Celtic action and thought. By listing these qualities, I do not mean to reduce druidry in any way, shape, or form. Of course, through this whole essay, it should be implied that these are my own opinions as well.
Balance in all aspects of life
A balance in all relationships must be kept, between the Self, Others, Nature, Otherworld, and Divine. Excessive habits or traits should be avoided—and anything that has a high probability of harming me falls into this as well. Some of the easiest examples can be found using the body as illustration. Balance is key to health—and health benefits the whole person—and the whole person benefits Others—Others effect Nature—which effects the Otherworld—which in turn effects the Divine. Everything matters. Everything is interconnected—and a balance must be reached in order for everything to run smoothly and pleasantly.
How I care for myself—spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically matters. For example, I personally don’t smoke because it is too much of (in my mind) a hazard to my body, and that would jeopardize my body’s energies, maintenance, and balance. Also, too much of a good thing can be harmful. Sleep, in right amounts, is a wonderful and necessary thing, but when I sleep too much, this effects my body’s natural rhythms. Moderation is key, and this principle can be applied to all areas of life.
In America, the urban population is the larger than the rural—and I will be the first to confess that Americans are turning into a nation of excesses, resulting in obesity, cancer, and heart disease in unprecedented numbers. Frozen or fried foods are the main meals offered in the grocery stores and restaurants. To actually eat something healthy, you have to pay more money. There is a trend here in the States though to take your vitamins (funny how people think they can eat horribly, take their vitamins, and be ok!), and since they are in such a high demand, the prices of vitamins and herbs are not cheap. Staying healthy costs money and time!
I don’t really know what life is like in Britain or European countries, but I do know that the United States is very commercialized. There is this glitz and glamour—so much focus on appearance, wealth, job status—keeping up with the Joneses. Perhaps it is a result of capitalism, which I can tell you first hand, is not all that it’s cracked up to be.
I will say that spirituality over religion is on the rise here though. Go to Barnes and Nobles (wonderful book-seller!!!) and you will see that the spirituality section (which includes paganism now) is much larger than the religion section. There is a massive interest in Eastern beliefs—Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and various Chinese and Japanese faiths are on the rise. On the other hand, there is also a renewal of conservative Christians, whose voices seem to yell louder and louder each day. The middle-road people are fading very quickly! Where is the balance?
Partnership with Nature
Druids themselves are in some way, rather all ways connected to the Earth or the environment. They seek to care, nurture, and heal the land of all the ill done to Her so that once again, balance and harmony may be the rule of the earth. Nature is sacred, as is life, and Druids seek to protect them both as best they can. They understand many mysteries in regards with the natural world and the spiritual.
I may not be able to actually take care of Celtic soil, but American land is just as important—because of the interconnectedness of all things. The earth is the earth—and no matter where a druid is, the earth is sacred. For me, I honor the land in my own ways—litter pick-up, environmental picketing, appreciation for the wonders and beauty of nature, planting and caring for a garden, recycling, using organic foods . . . the list goes on and on.
Americans are the most wasteful people in the world, and it disgusts and saddens me. Not only is there not enough emphasis on recycling, but also expanding populations lick up the resources before they can be renewed. This summer, around my mother’s house, we had two “droughts”—not because the rain was less than usual at that time of the year—but rather because people sucked the water sources dry before the rain got there! Having to wait to take a shower until the rain gets there because your neighbor filled up his gigantic pool can be a grimacing reminder of America’s condition.
One thing I do in my community is work with little school children, trying to instill in them the importance of caring for the environment. Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders.
Wisdom for the aid of all
Druids themselves were not (and still are not) men thirsty for power and self-satisfaction. Anyone who decided to become a druid had to go live in the woods for 20 years and master art after art, science after science, before he or she could even think of calling themselves a Druid. This was not an easy road. All this said, Druids have always thought of themselves as public servants, always there to benefit and aid the people.
Along this same line is increasing my knowledge. At present, I am in university, so I do my best at my studies. On a more focused note, I seek to learn all I can about the Celts, their culture, their language, and their history. Druids were the learned folk in their time—why should this tradition stop? I want to keep the past alive for future generations. Besides, knowledge is a very valuable thing—even in this age of internets—because good, faithful knowledge is hard to come by. Reading, discussing, and meditating on any kind of knowledge—whether practical, historical, or spiritual—is something any druid can do—no matter where they live.
In my studies, I hope to earn a BA in Welsh Studies and later an MA in Celtic Studies. Someone has to keep the knowledge going!
Wisdom, by my definition, is inspirational and intuitive understanding. Wisdom comes from the inner wells within our souls—as well as from awen that floats down to us from the Source. Wisdom is applied knowledge or gnosis. When we apply our knowledge and our understanding to our homes, our tribes, and our universe, amazing things can happen—shifts in consciousness, changes in attitudes, and an overall betterment of our surroundings. One firm belief of mine is that druids cannot be passive, but active—involved. Just sitting back and letting the world march by—where is our honor, our duty, our justice? If you see someone about ready to jump off a bridge, do you let him go his own way, or do you stop and seek to bring a little bit of hope into his life?
Vital connection with the Otherworld
This connection was so important because it was from the Otherworld that the gods, goddesses, and ancestors could speak, warn, and teach. This was actually the main "job" of the ovate--to keep their psychic ears and eyes open constantly for messages from the Otherworld. Druids are always looking for signs, those messages. It may be in the wind or a dream, in ogham sticks or meditation, but nonetheless, there is a constant "openness". The deities and ancestors still speak to those who listen today.
I seek to follow my intuition and my heart. When a spirit comes to me, I accept it in love. Divination of all sorts can be used. I prefer runes, scrying, and oghams. Being aware and oriented in my surroundings is vital. Honoring my ancestors and gods can be done through projections, mediations, incantations, shrines, tale-readings or composings, any way I feel led. I don’t think it matters exactly what you do, but rather the spirit with which you do it.
One thing about the deities and ancestors is that you can have a personal relationship with them. You can converse, exchange gifts, learn, and grow with them. The gods are not all-powerful beings—they have imperfections just like we do—many even have their own agendas and games, but nonetheless, they care very much for and appreciate those who take an interest and devotion to them. As for ancestors, their blood flows through me—there is a thing called cellular memory—not to mention DNA—I am a physical manifestation of my ancestors—combined subtly to form who I am. By honoring my ancestors, I not only find a sense of belonging and completion, but I also begin to understand who I am, what makes me me.
Another interesting thing about living in the United States is the Native American roots. Many places hold old memories of these early settlers. For me, delving into Cherokee Indian history and folklore is a sacred duty, because I am also 1/32nd Cherokee (and proud of it!). Following the druidic path honors my Cherokee roots—for the Celts and the Cherokees taught many of the same things—only in so many different words.
Responsibility in your own life
Druids believe that you can't just blame the world for all your problems. They recognize the truth of Free Will, that everyone has a choice and that anyone can change their "stars". They believe that you should keep a positive outlook on everything (not blindly optimistic, just positive--hopeful).
Sometimes, taking responsibility for my own actions can be difficult. In the end, I have an honor to uphold—I must keep my promises, fulfill my duties, and make the world a better place through dealing with my own personal issues so other people need not.
One problem in an individualistic society (like the US) is that the community is overlooked or de-emphasized. These days, people are so concerned with “my rights” and what they want in order to get ahead, that they don’t care who they step on or hurt to get there. National unity is non-existent. A look at the previous presidential elections is proof enough—Bush barely won with a little over half the vote. Sadly enough, duty to nation and national responsibility seem to be qualities hard to be found outside conservative Christians in America these days. Civic duty is important for a druid. You can’t just ignore politics or society—unless you are going to become a hermit.
The American druid has to be active in his or her community, leading as an example for good citizenship.
For me, this personally manifests by being involved with Kiwanis, an international organization for protecting and benefiting children and the environment—as well as any other service to our communities.
Judgment and Discernment
The world around us is filled with so many different ideas and knowledge, that it can be a difficult job to know what is truth and what is not. Druids seek to discern between right and wrong—or rather, effective and ineffective knowledge. They seek to make things clear in their own minds so they can pass it on to whoever else desires it.
At present, there are so many voices speaking in the United States, that it can be quite an exercise in patience and determination to sift through them all. Most everyone here have internet access—and definitely a television. Information flies out all over the place into the smattering of muck. As a druid, I get to find the jewels that are buried. For example, I found one American author, Frank MacEowen, who wrote on Celtic Shamanism—his two books really have a lot of good knowledge and ideas in them.
The ancient Druids were also judges, arbitrators. Of course, we can’t all work in the field of law, but in our own way, we can seek to keep the peace and help everyone get along.
Humility
Just because the Druids "know" so much or have spent much time in seeking answers and a connection with the Divine, you would think that they'd be stuck on themselves, their heads the size of watermelons. But not so. A druid believes that he should have a balanced opinion of himself. He seeks to neither condemn himself nor praise himself unless it is truly deserved (another aspect of the discernment part).
One thing I can say is that Americans are some of the silliest, most arrogant people I know, myself included! I really am not trying to bash the United States, but I am being very frank in this article about Americans! I think that this country needs to work on keeping its nose out of everyone’s business! We are not the world’s police . . . and yet so many Americans think it is our duty. Indeed. Another issue still in the US is racism. The funniest thing is that—nearly two hundred years ago, we had a civil war over the freedom of black people—and now, with all the immigrants and multiple births of the “minority” populations—the minority groups are now the majority! Now it is the blacks who have begun discriminating! (I hope I haven’t offended anyone—I’m explaining things as they are from my point of view).
As a druid, I must protect my community against bigots, racists, and dogmatists! The Celts were very big on protecting the weaker in society, as well as showing that everyone was equal. No Celt was allowed to be a slave or to own another Celt. Women had high status. The younger generation cared for the elderly. There was no room for brawls—and those who did get too high-and-mighty were knocked down a peg or two. Just read any Celtic tale to learn that one!
Peace
A better word would be serenity. A druid should not be filled with anxiety (though they are still human) Druids seek to remain unruffled by the unexpected roller-coasters than can rattle one's life. It is by having this inner stability that the Druid can become an excellent mentor and leader.
Peace—inner and outer—is important. The guilt-ridden life can be paralyzing, while being at war with the people around you decreases your impact on the community.
To the Celts, peace was found in being connected to your home, your tribe, and your universe. The center of the home was the hearth, the center of the tribe was the grove, and the center of the universe was the individual. From these three, peace flowed—if a balance, honor, and truth was maintained.
Generosity
Druids realize that there is more to life than getting; they find a joy in helping others, being generous with their time, love, advice, money, whatever else they can be generous about (in wise ways of course). Caring for the quality of life of those around them is very important. They seek to nurture, guide, protect, and always be there.
Contributing to the communities I am in—civic, university, and druidic—is perhaps one of the best ways I can be generous, whether that be by discussion, volunteer work, or background support. Also, taking time to listen to those around me means that I am telling people they matter, that they are important. Donating money to worthy organizations allows me to be part of the bigger picture of helping. Donating time is a valuable gift to give as well.
One temperament of the Celts is hospitality. By opening homes, hearts, and hands to those in need, we carry on the Celtic spirit—no matter where. These days, most people don’t have time to listen, time to give back—and then they wonder why they feel so disconnected from the world?
Probably the one key word that I use to sum up druidry is connection. It doesn’t matter that I am all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. I am still very much a druid. By connecting to other druids, to the deities, to nature, my community, my ancestors, and my own soul—and if I seek to better those connections through Celtic means—I carry the spirit of druidry in my life.
Lastly, I would like to speak of exile. Dwelling across the ocean does have an effect on me—for my heart is in the land of my ancestors, and there ever remains a sense of hiraeth or intense longing for my home. This is a typical Celtic quality. Hiraeth is perhaps one of the most defining marks in American Druidism—and many wish to take pilgrimages to the homeland.
It is true that the Celtic landscape has a magickal aura to it—its very geography, weather, and regional characteristics produce a sense of awe, power, and beauty. North America has its own qualities—but the land here tends to inspire more Native American beliefs. This is very hard to explain, because the spirit of the lands are different—though similar—but the essences manifest another way. In the Celtic isles, the spirit is two-fold—one of peace and security, another of untamed wildness. On the other hand, in the United States, going out to the wilderness, it is just plain fear-inspiring. There is a ravaging, unforgiving, all-knowing tone to the land. I suppose that the forces in America make me sick with awe—because they are so powerful—and so quick to kill. I have lived through two tornados, over fifty hurricanes, four blizzards, green-and-purple thunderstorms, hailstorms with hail the size of tennis balls, multiple floods, white-water rapids, whirlpools, waterfalls (Niagra Falls—my father and I sailed right up to it—deafening roar), dizzying heights (I stood right at the edge of the Grand Canyon—breath-taking), dormant volcanoes (rode a horse at break-neck speed across Sunset Volcano’s ashy valley) . . . the list goes on and on. I am grateful to be alive!
These are experiences I value and cherish, but in truth, there is no place like home. Even with all of America’s vast wonder, diversity, and wildness, I still stand upon the shore, looking across the Atlantic Ocean, wishing with all my heart to belong. Of course, one day I will belong to the Celtic Isles, but that is for everyone to see!