What is Neopagan Druidism?
Neopagan Druidism is a family of religions, philosophies and ways of life, rooted in ancient soil yet reaching for the stars. Like other new religions throughout history, we are responding to the crises of our times — philosophical, environmental and spiritual. Like many other members of what has come to call itself the “Neopagan” community, we are polytheistic Nature worshipers, attempting to revive the best aspects of the Paleopagan (original) faiths of our predecessors within a modern scientific, artistic, ecological, and wholistic context, taking nondogmatic, pluralistic approachs. Like our namesakes, the original Druids, we’re people who believe in excellence — physically, intellectually, artistically, and spiritually.
What’s the Difference Between Druidism and Druidry?
Those of us who emphasize the social and religious roles of ancient and modern Druids as clergy and community leaders, tend to favor the “-ism” ending. Those who prefer to stress the solitary and mystical/philosophical side of the Druid paths, tend to prefer the “-ry” version. Many Neopagan Druids use both terms, depending upon the moment they’re asked.
What Do Neopagan Druids Do?
We’re designing and performing powerful magical and religious ceremonies to change ourselves and the world we live in, including regular public worship of the Old Gods and Goddesses, as well as rites of passage (weddings, child blessings, etc.). We’re adapting the polytheologies and customs of both the Indo-European (especially the Celtic) Paleopagans and the Neopagan traditions that have been created over the last fifty years. We’re researching and expanding sound modern scholarship (instead of romantic fantasies) about the ancient Celts, as well as (in A.D.F.) the Norse, Slavs, Balts, Greeks, Romans, Vedics, and other Indo-European peoples, in order to reconstruct as much as possible of what the Old Religions of pre-Christian Europe really were. We’re working on the development of genuine skills in composition and presentation in the musical, dramatic, graphic, textile, and other arts. We’re creating non-sexist, non-racist, organic, flexible and publically-accessible religions to practice as ways of life and to hand on to our grandchildren. We’re integrating ecological awareness, alternate healing arts, and psychic development into our daily activities. We’re holding regional festivals to help ourselves meet, study, pray, and play with other like-minded folks. Some of us are actively preparing for the time when Neopagan religions will be part of the mainstream global culture, with large congregations meeting at temples and sacred groves throughout the Western world. Together, we’re sparking the next major phase in the evolution of Neopaganism and planting seeds for generations to come.
Its a great philosophy Dark, i have a question what do you mean by pray...and how do they incorporate ecological awreness?????I like the ideals they stand for.....
Thu May 04, 2006 5:01 am
vincent
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Glancing at your post Darkwind it seems like Druid beliefs and Native American beliefs are very similar.
I doesn't surprise me, vincent, they would be close. They are both Earth based religions and pre-christian. IMO if it hadn't been for the christian take over and destruction of the ancient religions of Europe I dare say their may have been a joining for the two religions. As long as it wasn't the Saxons when they came calling they killed everyone women, children, and men.
Sheri I talk to my Gods and Goddesses I guess you would call that prayer. Does it bother you?
Most of the Druids I have talk to live ecological awareness. The earth is my mother.
I didn't write it, Bonewits did.
Fri May 05, 2006 7:43 pm
vincent
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The Medicine Wheel is representative of American Indian Spirituality. The Medicine Wheel symbolizes the individual journey we each must take to find our own path. Within the Medicine Wheel are The Four Cardinal Directions and the Four Sacred Colors. The Circle represents the Circle of Life and the Center of the Circle, the Eternal Fire. The Eagle, flying toward the East, is a symbol of strength, endurance and vision. East signifies the renewal of life and the rebirth of Cherokee unity.
There is more to this web page plus the site looks like a good place to explore if you are interested. _________________ NATIVE AMERICAN WISDOM
Sat May 06, 2006 11:40 am
Darkwind
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Joined: 03 Apr 2006
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Thank you, vincent, I put that link on my favorites.
I saw an Eagle today while I was at the pool. He was on his way to the bay to do some fishing no doubt. That would make him flying west.
Oh my that's not go good. :shock:
Sat May 06, 2006 11:27 pm
SilverCougar
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vincent wrote:
The Medicine Wheel is representative of American Indian Spirituality. The Medicine Wheel symbolizes the individual journey we each must take to find our own path. Within the Medicine Wheel are The Four Cardinal Directions and the Four Sacred Colors. The Circle represents the Circle of Life and the Center of the Circle, the Eternal Fire. The Eagle, flying toward the East, is a symbol of strength, endurance and vision. East signifies the renewal of life and the rebirth of Cherokee unity.
There is more to this web page plus the site looks like a good place to explore if you are interested.
I have this book.. Dancing the Medican Wheel.
It had like.. each month all plotted out and all the information and such with what goes with it.
Used to draw a medican wheel base... then add the elements of each moon to it. Should do that again, and actually finish the project this time. I wanted to craft it.. make a real medican wheel and place on all the elements... but that would have gotten to expensive especialy when it came to finding the minerals.
If I was born, like a week earlier then what I was.. I would have landed in the moon with Cougar in it X) _________________ I'll work on this when I feel compelled. And not lazy
Sat May 06, 2006 11:42 pm
Guest
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Darkwind wrote:
I doesn't surprise me, vincent, they would be close. They are both Earth based religions and pre-christian. IMO if it hadn't been for the christian take over and destruction of the ancient religions of Europe I dare say their may have been a joining for the two religions. As long as it wasn't the Saxons when they came calling they killed everyone women, children, and men.
Sheri I talk to my Gods and Goddesses I guess you would call that prayer. Does it bother you?
Most of the Druids I have talk to live ecological awareness. The earth is my mother.
I didn't write it, Bonewits did.
Oh Darkwind no way does that bother me i just want to know you and what not...I think that is beautiful.....I just define prayer differently but i find my definition ( thought control) quite useful hey I may connect to goddessess i'm coming in this OPEN MINDED ...I'm loving the Holographic Universe dark its a goood book we will be rapping on it i hope lol....
Sun May 07, 2006 12:12 am
Darkwind
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I am glad you are enjoying it. Pass it on to Geri when you get done if you can. The mental excersizes in the book will help her with her cancer. I use them for my MS.
Sun May 07, 2006 1:52 am
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i will ...it is a great read I haven't gotten to the mental excersise yet i was reading on the photographic memory and it made sense i want to try to do what they said.....
Sun May 07, 2006 5:28 am
vincent
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SilverCougar wrote:
If I was born, like a week earlier then what I was.. I would have landed in the moon with Cougar in it X)
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