From: AshNuin@aol.com To: ceci@lysator.liu.se Date: Sun, 26 Jun 94 12:19:00 EDT Subject: Re: Want Info on Druidism? Here's the information you requested. Post it where you like :) It is for the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. THE DRUID TRADITION Introduction The ancient teachings of the Druids represent one of the well-springs of inspiration of the Western Spiritual Tradition. Druids were magicians and poets, counsellors and healers, shamans and philosophers. In the early days, as pre-Celts, they built stone circles and worshipped Nature with her many faces. Later the Celts blended the inspiring esoteric, mathematical and engineering skills of these megalithic peoples with their own flamboyant artistry and wisdom traditions to create the Druidry described by the Greeks and Romans. Although partly suppressed with the coming of Christianity, Druidry continued to live through the work of the Bardic schools and the folk traditions and customs of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England and Brittany. The 18th century saw a revival of Druid practice which continues to this day. The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids, which traces its origins to 1717, is dedicated to presenting the Druid Tradition in a way that is totally relevant to the needs of our time, and yet which is firmly rooted in its ancestry and heritage. In Tune with the Spirit of our Times More than at any other time in human history, the fate of the planet itself depends upon our thoughts and our actions. More than ever, we need a spirituality that is rooted in a love of nature, a love of the land. Druidry and the teaching programme of The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids is based upon this love for the natural world, and offers a powerful way of working with, and understanding the Self and Nature - speaking to that level of our soul and of our being which is in tune with the elements and the stars, the sun and the stones. Through the work of the Druids we are able to unite our natural, earthly selves with our spiritual selves while working, in however small a way, for the safeguarding of our planet. As our technological age seems increasingly unable to answer our spiritual needs, more and more people are turning to traditions such as Druidry to find a spiritual direction which recognises the importance and wonder of the natural world, and which makes care for the planet one of its central concerns. The aims of the Order The Order has two main aims: 1] To help us develop our potential - spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical and artistic. 2] To work with the natural world, to cherish and protect it, and to cooperate with it in every way - both esoterically and exoterically. How these aims are achieved A belief in the interconnectedness and sacredness of all life lies at the heart of Druidry. Following the Druid Way involves applying and living a system of teaching which has evolved and developed over many generations. Central to this system is the observance of eight particular times during the year, through which deep connections are built between ourselves and the world of Nature and of Spirit. At these times during the year, we either individually or collectively celebrate the eight seasonal festivals - the solstices and equinoxes and the four fire festivals. In between these eight festivals, those who wish, meet together to work, study, meditate and enjoy each other's company as often as is practical. These meetings are called Groves and are usually held monthly or fortnightly. Individual members and groups now exist in many countries all over the world, and the Gaelic name of the Order, Cairdeas Mor Shaoghal Nan Druidh, means 'A Worldwide Fellowship of Druids'. The Order's Teaching Programme Some view Druidry as a 'thing of the past' - but in reality it is a tradition which has been evolving and growing from the earliest times to the present day. Until recently, the practice of Druidry had been confined to those who could learn by visiting a Grove in person. But about ten years ago, The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids developed an experience-based course in Druidry which could be followed by anyone wherever they lived. Since its inception, over three thousand people of all ages and educational backgrounds have begun this course, which works with the ideas and practices of Druidry in a thoroughly practical, yet also deeply spiritual way. The course is given in three grades or stages: those of the Bards, Ovates and Druids. Each grade has its own initiation which can be performed alone at home, or with others in a Grove. The Bardic Grade Taking you on a journey through the cycle of the year, the Bardic grade introduces all the basic concepts of Druidry and shows you how it is a living Way that can be practised in the modern world, bringing a greater sense of connection with all of nature, and with the ancient heritage of the Druid wisdom-tradition. If you choose to take the course, each month you will receive a package of four weekly Gwersu - teaching materials that present Druidry through seed-thoughts, letters, exercises, poetry and ceremonies that you can perform. In addition, eight times a year you will be sent the text of the Druid ceremony for the forthcoming festival, together with a supplementary Gwers explaining its significance. You will also be sent teaching material on audio-tape cassette and a Workbook of the Grade - a reference manual which is used throughout the year, and indeed throughout the work of the Order. The Ovate and Druid Grades Initiation into the Ovate Grade is followed with work on the healing and divinatory skills of the Druids, a study of sacred sites and trees, animals and plants. In the Druid Grade, the teachings continue the study of the Arthurian and Grail myths and are particularly concerned with helping each member to find their true direction and purpose in life. The course at the first level in the Bardic Grade is self-directed, and you are free to correspond or not as you feel appropriate, with a tutor/adviser who is allocated to you at the beginning of the course. At any time you may suspend your studies, either completely or for a time. In addition to the course material, each month you will receive an informal newsletter with contributions from members and local groups, including details of talks, workshops and retreats. What sort of people follow the course? Druidry appeals to all sorts of people, of whatever age, race, nationality, education, artistic ability or gender. People are attracted to the course because they want to find a way that they can combine their spirituality with their concern for the earth and their creativity. Because the course works with our experience rather than with just intellectual knowledge, it is accessible to everyone - regardless of how much or how little they know. What others have said about the course: -The greatest value of the OBOD postal course is this: it exists. It is available. Precious insights are being passed along. The mysteries are being shared. Thanks to all who have made this course possible!S V.C. Vermont. -For the renewed presence in my life of this sense of spiritual, magical intimacy with the world of matter, I am deeply grateful. It takes me back to my roots in more ways than one; it connects me deeply to the earth of my nourishment, to the magical realm of the living world. I have also learned so much about myself, about choice and about freedom.S S.H.London. -The first thing that impressed me about the course, was the total lack of religious dogma in the context of overall spirituality, which is, I believe very true to the historical evidence suggesting that the ancient Druids were neither exclusionary nor elitist about their 'gods'. And the second profound impression was the ability of OBOD to integrate the spiritual needs of humans with the realities of living a physical existence. I know of no other way of thinking that so naturally integrates what most religions see as the great opposites of existence: the body and the spirit. And via OBOD, this is much more than just a philosophy or a way of thinking - it is a way of living! I believe the Order is a wonderful tool for reintroducing so much of what we have lost. Thank you fo the gentle insight and knowledge, the sense of community and connection, and the opportunity to experience life more completely.S J.S. Colorado. -How is it that every time a question is in my mind, I turn the page of the Gwers and the answer is before me? It is as if whoever compiled these teachings anticipates the logical mind and then also its inner workings. I am nearing the end of the Bardic grade, and I can honestly say that never in my life have I needed such guidance as in the last few months. I feel there is hope for us all if we continue to strive for harmony with Mother Earth.S P.B. Sussex. -The last five months have been ones of tremendous growth and change. I have realised at least two life ambitions; my intellect along with my creativity has become sharper and clearer and more productive than ever before, and I feel more at peace with myself as my mind has become more balanced with my emotions.S L.N. Reading. -The last year has been one of exceptional professional development and success for me and, as I have criss-crossed the world, the ability to find a sanctuary of peace and creative reflection in the Grove has proved truly a life saver.S R.H. London. -Many of the changes in me I believe are due to a sense of peace and of purpose given to me by working through the studies of the Bardic grade. These inner changes have in turn provoked more visible external changes. This course has most definitely answered a call which has been with me for as long as I can remember.S D.L. Manchester If you feel you might like to follow the course, you can receive an introductory package on a trial basis. If after studying the material you feel it is not right for you, you can send it back, and we will return your payment in full. If, however, you find it answers an inner call, then you will be welcome to keep the package and begin a journey that we feel sure you will find both exciting and rewarding. To: OBOD, PO Box 1333, Lewes, E.Sussex BN7 3ZG England Please mail me the Introductory Package on a trial basis I enclose 8 GBP which I understand will be refunded to me if I return the material undamaged within 30 days (If in Europe, please send an International Postal Money Order or Eurocheque for 8 GBP. (If outside Europe, please send 20 USD either with an International Postal Money Order or with a personal cheque drawn on a USA bank. Your package will be sent airmail.) (Please make cheques payable to The Oak Tree Press) Name................................................................. ..................................................................... Address.............................................................. ..................................................................... Full details of the Order's Campaign for Individual Ecological Responsibility and Sacred Grove & Tree Planting Programme are sent with the first package.