Druid Study / Reading Group discussion
October Reading
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Hello everyone,A little about myself...I just turned the big 5-0 and am unsure if that officially makes me a senior citizen. ;-) I'm currently living in the ottawa area of Canada, have a professional/academic background in the sciences (Chemistry, Ecotoxicology, and Toxicology), am currently employed by the Government of Canada as a human and companion animal (pets) Health Evaluation Officer (specifically, I perform health and safety assessment on the use of non-conventional/ natural/just plain weird pesticides, for example, the use of essential oils as a personal insect repellent.)
As for the Druid in me, I was ordained as a Druid Priest in 1999 and completed my studies with the now defunct Bandarach College of Druids. I prefer to practice as a solitaire and focus my efforts more on education of others than on rituals. I am currently a member of The Druid Network (TDN) and am forever grateful for the internet and the efforts of people like Bill and Mo in providing a marvelous arena for people like us to share ideas and discuss current literature as it relates to Druidry.
I'm looking forward to sharing our thoughts in the book club.
:-)
/|\ Kevin
Mod
I don't think you can count yourself among the ranks of the seniors until you have performed the official rite of passage: The colonoscopy. Or maybe that's just here in the U.S. LOL Sorry, didn't mean to get off topic, I just had to throw it in...after all, our society is so bereft of rites of passage for people these days, I feel it is important to note when they actually manage to come up with one. :)
GG
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I'm gone for a couple of days and you guys are ready to throw me under the bus. I see how it is. Seriously though. I may have come up with the idea but this is really YOUR group. ALL of you have a voice in the direction we go. My suggestion is that we keep this informal. Read the first chapter and make any comments or ask any questions you may have. Mo and I will do the same. Let's have fun with this and maybe learn something along the way, too.
Bill Thomas
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Mod
Well, I guess I'll be first to comment on the first chapter. I thought the quote by Cairistiona Worthington at the beginning of the chapter was particularly noteworthy, in that my own journey thus far has been a process of addressing and letting go of many things from my past, in order to make room for what is to come and embracing the the new. I wondered, however, how many people would be scared off by the knowledge that "the path is long"? LOL Although anyone who is looking for a short road to an easy and finite destination shouldn't be considering druidry anyway.
Also, I thought it would be interesting to find out what everyone's answer was to the exercise that Philip proposed in the chapter: What was the greatest "Love" that drew you to druidry? Mine was the Love of Truth, beyond a doubt. I had left Christianity in search of Truth, considered Buddhism, Hinduism, Wicca, Qabalah...none of them felt quite right, although Buddhism was the closest. Then I looked at the different Orders of Druids: AODA (at that time practically nonexistent), ADF (too dogmatic and a self-proclaimed 'religion') and OBOD...and hung out at the OBOD message boards until I realized that I felt at home there. That's when I decided to take the plunge.
And it fit me to a "T" for all the reasons that Philip expresses in the first chapter.
Very nice first comment, Jennifer. I'm with you when you wonder about how many folks avoid druidry as a result of time necessary to give the topic a good thrashing. I've found that the people who do commit tend to have mulled this over as well and are the folks willing to spend the time on the long and winding road (apologies to the best band EVER! ;-)).I think that it's very important that we be up front and honest with those that approach us with questions about druidry and ensure that they are fully aware of the commitment required on the part of the applicant. This is most definitely about the journey, not the destination.
I've just one more bit to finish in another book and then I'll pick up Philip's and give the first chapter a good read. I'll address matters immediately afterwards...which should be within a day or so.
Oh, and to answer your earlier question, Jennifer, no, no camera up the bum yet. Billy Connolly has noted that once a man turns 50 his doctor loses all interest in his testicles and develops a fascination with his arse. X-)
Druid Mysteries was actually the first book about Druids I ever read. I found it at one of those difficult crossroads in my life that none of us really looks forward to. My father, my sister, and my best friend had all passed away within a six month period and I left a career with a major credit card company after being put on disability. And if that wasn't difficult enough, I found myself in the middle of a very unpleasant divorce with four young children involved. I knew that however my life had been like prior to that two-year period it was never going to be the same again.
The quote by Christina Worthington at the beginning of chapter 1 was especially meaningful for me "The journey we begin as we answer the call is long, and filled with all that we have been and all that we will become."
The first chapter was really just basic information but it gave me hope for a brighter future. I had always been one of those guys that put family first. Consequently, I dropped out of college long before I went as far as I wanted to. I worked second shift for number of years just so I could home school my own children. I was the Boy Scout leader, the Junior Warden and the Children's Department Director of my church, and I was the one who made sure the kids got to church on time every Sunday. As I thought about where I had been and what sort of future I might have, it occurred to me that I didn't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I'd spent the first half of my life doing what others expected of me and I knew that had to change. I had always loved reading and being a student, I loved the outdoors and being surrounded by nature. The years I'd spent following christian mythology had been, at best, unfulfilling.
The short exercise at the end of chapter 1 really rang true for me. Philip had somehow reached into my heart and discovered the things that were most important to me. I found myself hard-pressed to pick just one or two loves but I finally came up with 2 with the strongest appeal for me "Love story and myth", "Love of history and reverence for the ancestors".
So you see for me this wasn't just a book to read and put on the shelf. It literally help me chart a course for happy useful and exciting retirement.
Mod
The Mist-Filled Path: Celtic Wisdom for Exiles, Wanderers and Seekers, by Frank McEowan. It had been probably almost two years since I left my Christian faith, and I was indeed wandering, and in exile since leaving my faith meant excommunication from the church and shunning by my friends and family. I had bought the book at least a year prior and then shelved it (I'm a book whore, you see...when a title grabs me, I grab the book, knowing that in due time I'll be needing it! LOL) My friend Brian had been feeding me info on the Celts because I was going through an ancestral identity crisis as part of my midlife crisis (my family never talked about anything like that)...so when I finally noticed the book on the shelf again a year later, I was definitely ready for it.
Exile, wanderer and seeker -- that was me, and it led me to Druidry. I heard the call of the ancestors and the earth mother -- the mythology took me a little longer, as it was a bit foreign to me, but I absolutely adored Joseph Campbell, and Jung, and Philip, being a Jungian psychologist, includes a lot of stuff that resonates with all of that along with the Celtic mythology so that by the end of my first year in the Bardic grade, I had fully absorbed and digested so much of the Celtic mythology that it was second nature to me. I guess if it's in your genes, it doesn't take long. :-)
Greetings, It is a pleasure to read about and meet all of you. I too have reached that 50 year mark… today in fact. I was raised a Lutheran and held to that belief until after I left the United States Marine Corps. My travels and experiences changed me. There were several times when I listened to that 'little voice' within and was kept from harm which should have taken me. These days I live with PTSD and do okay. My beautiful wife is used to my avoiding crowds, nightly patrols around the perimeter of the house and the occasional, but now rare, nightmare.
I earn my living as a biostatistician and management analyst with state government. My wife and two dogs keep me busy at home. I am a former BTW priest with close ties to the deities which I hold as divine, but not so much to the covens in my local area. I was drawn to the study of the Norse and Northern traditions as I was writing my first novel back in 1993. This study led me to the Celtic and Green traditions eventually and at the end of 2005 I became Pagan; and then an initiated Wiccan in 2007.
In 2002, I co-founded the Northern Nevada Ghost Hunters and chased spirits for about 6 years before I realized I didn't have to chase them... all I had to do was reach out to them and they would come. The group has evolved and done well under new management. This was a turning point in my life.
My talents lend themselves to herbal healing, divination, elemental and spirit work. I am a semi-trained ceremonial magician and a very 'gifted' amateur. ;o) Recently, Raven and Stephanie Grimassi's Ash, Birch and Willow (ABW) teachings call to me... there is something about the earth with her life energies and the ABW penchant for connecting with very old Pagan practices which resonate within me. Druidism is an offshoot of that calling. The second half of my life shall be very different from the first half.
I’ll read the first couple of chapters this weekend and comment afterwards.
Again, it is good to meet you all,
Greg
First of all, I must admit to being a big fan of Philip’s writing. With that in mind, I’ll do my best not to be too biased or go to the other extreme and be overly critical in my assessment.There were a few points that I came across in the first chapter that had me thinking, “What if….?” or “Why assume this or that?” But before I get into the finer points, I want to see if we all agree that Druid Mysteries is an intro book or Druidry 101. How does the group feel about this? If I am correct, I have to recognize that Philip’s audience would have been folks new to Druidry or simply the curious. As such, any extensive criticisms on my part would be out of place.
I was pleased to read the first paragraph on the second page, which stated, “This book is about a way of life that can help us to find this universal dream in our hearts, and that can also help us to live it – so that, in however small a way, we can contribute to changing the world around us.” From my point of view, Philip is challenging us to accept the possibility that Druidry is dynamic and requires input from those who decide to follow the path. I really like this idea. Any thoughts on your position?
In the subsection Opening the Door, I felt that the author was intentionally adding a bit of mystique to the term Druidry or Druids. I’d love to know if I misread him or whether his intention was to be mysterious since many folks love magic and mystery. He appears to be saying to his audience, It’s all very mysterious, but, like opening a door, you too can understand what this is all about. Is this too simplistic a view or is he correct in offering a peek into our world…into Druidry?
The following subsection entitled Druids and Druidesses raises, in my mind, the question of what is an alternative spirituality. Does Philip mean non-Christian or polytheistic and if so, how do we categorize Hinduism? He also suggests that nature based religions in the 20th century has become prevalent in the latter half of the century. Should we link this idea with the environmental movement or the overall changes to the social fabric in the 60’s and 70’s? Has this awakening of the public led to a need for hope and optimism that is commonly found in nature based religions? Do we perceive conventional religions as depressing and pessimistic?
I could go on, but I’d really like to get your thoughts on these matters.
/|\ Kevin
Mod
I can answer all except the questions in the last paragraph without going back, however. Well, I take that back. Having only read the first paragraph, all I can say is that it appears that this book is going to be an introduction to Druidry. I didn't really look at the Table of Contents, so I'm not sure how in-depth he goes.
In the gwersu (or lessons) that OBOD sends out, the student is ALWAYS encouraged to bring to the table their own input. I think this is one of the things that makes OBOD different than most other organizations I've ever seen. OBOD is constantly evolving based upon what others bring and contribute to it -- it is like no other organization or order I've ever known. My druid partner calls it the anti-organizatiom organization. LOL To my knowledge, even the lessons themselves may be written by members who have been studying for a while -- or submissions may be included as a supplementary gwers or in a miscellany that is provided with one of the packets. So yes, Philip's view on Druidry is that it is VERY dynamic; that is the way OBOD is (un)organized, and each person is encouraged to develop their own unique practice.
Also Philip believes that mystery is indeed a very real part of life, and in fact it is -- he opens the initiate's eyes to see it almost immediately in the first year of the Bardic grade. Of course, the student must be willing to allow this to happen. The magic exists all around us; we keep trying to tell people that and they look at us like we're crazy...but that is one reason my partner and I feel no need to "practice magick" -- we have learned to go with the flow of life instead of trying to bend it to our own ego and will. We learn to enjoy the mystery and allow the magic to unfold, and it is absolutely wonderful.
I'll have to get back to you with my feedback on the other questions after I have re-read the part on Druids and Druidesses. You raise some very good questions...obviously I missed a lot in that section (I must have been dozing off about that time! lol)
GG
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Mod
Jennifer, do you mean the email notifications? If so, I'm having the same problem, so I'm just checking our group on a daily basis until the email thingy is straightened out.Kevin
Accepting the author knows something about that of which he writes from his own view point: The chapter’s initial questions upon my personal views of the values of druidry evoke a response of a non-gender specific balance in living, order in life, and service to the world, nature, one’s self and others. How best to use these values begins with the thought; ‘change begins within and then impacts without.’ The gender polarities are also powerful energies which provide much insight to life and the tenant of ‘Love’. Druidry is open to much interpretation and as I read, I found myself resonating to the soft segue between Wicca and Druidry. The fact that Druidry is indeed not a religion which dictates a separation from life, but a spirituality which enhances life reaches out to me from the shadows of the past and the lessons of history to the present, and it’s tenets influence the future.
The term ‘Druid’ conjures up an image of one who is tapped into the river of life’s blood, tree, and stone energies which are the tangible vibrations of the world, nature and mankind… the essence of existence. Druidism has a cloak of timelessness. Druids are providers of wisdom. A druid is a resource for others and themselves to utilize in recognizing the paths which will most likely provide joy in existence.
When one recognizes the symbolism of the non-apparent and the uses of spirit, nature, and the elements; one begins to understand how the world really works. The future is a result of the accumulation of these energies: to my mind, Divination is simply the ability to read them and align them to the residual energies which resonate and live within the past.
I find myself in agreement with the chapter; joy should be available throughout life. One must only look for and celebrate it as they recognize it in the world, nature, and folks around them on a daily basis. Life is an interaction we are meant to engage in with existence.
One area which made me smile was the chapter’s offering that the lack of religious dogma or scripture was not a weakness to the way of life which druidism is to my mind. I feel that the author should have embraced the fact that and supported as a strength that the Celts had no written language, their knowledge was passed on from generation to generation and maintained within their oral traditions. The druids themselves perpetuated their people’s stories and beliefs, not only carrying this historic knowledge and wisdom for their people, but communicating news and information between themselves via a veiled sign language to best import positive change in their communities.
The exercise had me sifting through the Druidical commonalities to determine what I actually held dear within myself. This was a problematic process for me. One which I solved by first deciding my own ‘top ten’, then by selecting three ‘finalists’. From these finalists I chose that one tenet which was most important to me: Love of Truth.
The ‘Mysteries of Druidry’ continue to beckon… I cannot wait to read Chapter 2!
~Greg
Mod
Greg, your observations on the first chapter were very intense. If you remain that engaged with the entire book, I shall surely be amazed.
The fact that Philip said nothing about the oral tradition of the Celts in this particular book doesn't speak to his lack of appreciation for it, I don't believe. It is, in fact, one of the reasons the spirituality and culture kept alive and growing. If you ever see clips of Philip talking in various movies and documentaries that he has appeared in, he often talks about such things. In an oral tradition, there is room for change and growth, whereas in a written tradition, the ideas and "dogmas", if you will, are "crystalized", to use his term, and at that point they are no longer able to evolve or grow, and so you have an inevitable eventual breakdown of the religious system as it no longer serves the people because the world keeps changing and evolving.
Anyway, I ramble. I wonder what happened to our other people who were going to join us in this group? If we are it, I guess I'd better move on to Chapter 2 -- oh! But not before I get back to the questions that Kevin raised about the Druid and Druidess portion of Chapter One! See, I can remember some things!! :-D
Jennifer
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I don't think it's you, Jennifer. I've been having the same trouble. It looks like we're off to a good start here. Thank you all for your contributions.
Bill
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Mod
I think when Philip talks about an "alternative" spirituality, he is talking about one that is not one of the major established religions of the world, such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, etc. I could be wrong, but that is how I have always understood it. As for linking the growth of alternative spirituality with environmentalism and/or the social changes in the 60's & 70's...I think that that is up to an individual's perception; Philip certainly doesn't say anything in the book that would lead me to believe that he is trying to make this connection.
However, Druidry, by its nature, would seem to encourage environmentalism, because, put simply, what one loves, one takes care of. When, through a nature-based spirituality, you learn to love deeply nature and the earth, you are naturally going to be concerned over the abuses beind done to it and are going to become more environmentally conscious.
Unfortunately, I think the "awakening" that occurred in the 60's and 70's was short-lived and temporary. People went back to sleep, for the most part. There is a re-awakening occuring now, to my way of seeing, that conventional religions cannot abide, because it breaks the chains of social control that religion has placed upon mankind for thousands of years. The awakening that is happening now is one in which people are outgrowing the old established religions and therefore there is a need to break free from their restrictive dogmas to rethink the new age that is being born, with all its possibilities. I think that this has caused the perception of the old religions, once held to be uplifting, to now be seen as restrictive and suffocating. At least that is my own personal opinion. You'd have to ask someone else not so close to the subject to get a different opinion. :)
I'm curious about what you think Philip "assumes" in the first chapter (as you said above). Judging by the Table of Contents, this is going to be a very basic book...Druidry 101...I look forward to all - Kevin's and Greg's and Bill's input -- since I have been immersed in OBOD for a number of years and these things may just slip by me as taken for granted. New eyes are always welcome. :)
GG
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Thank you Jennifer! And Bill, I agree 100% with you on the reawakening currently underway. I hope it isn't coming too late to address some of the environmental changes about to impact our world... or that it will be enough to somewhat prepare some folks for these changes. I am running a little behind on my reading, but I'll finish and have something on Chapter 2 over the next couple of days... it's a busy time of year for me. ;o)
Peace, darkness & light,
Greg
Thanks for your thoughts, Jennifer. My comments were a simple matter of perception and may actually be more revealing about who I think Philip is rather than who he actually is. When I mentioned that this book was Druidry 101 I didn't mean to be disparaging. I should have thought that one over for a few days before posting. Perhaps I should have said that the book provides an excellent foundation for those interested in perusing Druidry or for those who simply want a quick look at our spirituality/religiosity/way of life.As for the short-lived social movement of the 60's and 70's, I wish I could argue your point, Jennifer, but I think you are right. I've watched the world move from a hope for community to a very selfish, consumer centric society. I remember watching an end-of-decade show in 1979 where the announcer stated that we were going to be moving from the We generation into the Me generation. My jaw hit the floor and tears filled my eyes. I've never gotten over that realization.
Greg, I'll give your comments a read and see if I can chime in.
I've gone ahead with the book but won't jump ahead with any comments until I'm sure everyone is ready to do so. Just let me know.
:-)
Kevin
Mod
Kevin, I didn't think you were being disparaging at all when you said the book was Druidry 101. I think that's exactly what it is...I was a little disappointed when I first realized that, but I'm hoping that between us (and Tarw Llwyd, whom I have added to the discussion) we can glean from the book something that will be of value. There are always some little golden nuggets in there!
Tarw (my druid partner in crime) is in Portland right now but will be returning home tomorrow night. He doesn't have the book and probably won't be taking the time to read it, but he said he would like to be part of the group, if for no other reason, than to see what everybody is saying about it. I know he will have his two shillings' worth to put in at some point...he won't be able to help himself. LOL
Bendithion disglair arnoch chi!
GG
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I'd like to suggest to our moderators that we take a long as is necessary to discuss this book. That way there is no pressure on anyone to complete chapters when they are not able to.What say you, oh mighty Moderators?
;-)
Helloooooooooooooo...anybody out there?*crickets chirping*
:-\
Mod
Has anyone continued reading in the great chasm of silence and inactivity that has occurred here? I have been a bit overwhelmed with migraines due to weather change, sewing jobs (a blessing and a curse...long story) and trying to get my Ovate project finished so I can send it in to my tutor at long last. It is finally finished! YAY! Now for the Ovate gift. *sigh* They don't make it easy at this point to move forward. LOL
If anyone is still out there, let me know how far behind I am, and if there is any point in picking up where I left off...or are we going to abandon this book altogether?
Perhaps the group would rather take on something more challenging? (Just an observation...I have enough challenges of my own with NO book, it seems!) Tarw Llwyd & I finally finished the Cosmic Weather Report at our weekly meets, and have gone back to try to finish Yogananda with various interruptions as they occur. There is always unfinished business, it seems...
GG
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I think everyone has been a little busy. A book a month is apparently unrealistic. I'm open to any suggestions you may have, Jen. You're an admin in this group, too./|\ Bill
Mod
GG
I suppose we could run the book group via email and post to Goodreads as it develops. I'm open to any suggestions. As for continuing to read Philip's book, I've gone ahead and made my notes, but really don't want to jump too far ahead by posting everything I have. :-)
Kevin
Mod
Email might be a good alternative until they get the bugs worked out of the system. I did get notice of your comment too however. Email notices aren't going to get the book read for me though.
Can't expect too much from me this week...for the obvious reasons...if I recover from Thursday without too much damage maybe I can get my engine started again. I don't do Black Friday so no issue there. LOL
GG
Anyone making any progress on Druid Mysteries?
Mod
I'm sorry I've kind of fallen off the wagon here. My parents both passed away this week; my Dad on the 24th, and my Mom on the 25th. It has been a rough month and although my sister is executor and is carrying the primary weight of wrapping up their affairs, my brother and I will be assisting her into the new year as necessary. Please don't wait up for me; Kevin and Gregory and Bill, go on and finish the book without me.
I did manage to finish my Ovate review and projects and have mailed the package to my OBOD tutor, but with the holidays, I am sure that she has not had a chance to look at anything. Hopefully I will be hearing from her soon and can begin preparing for the preparatory phase that will prepare me for the druid grade. They want to make sure you are REALLY ready. LOL
My name is Jennifer, "Druid name" is Garangwyn, which in Welsh means White Heron. I am currently finishing up the Ovate grade with the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids (OBOD) and was invited by Bill to join your illustrious group. :-) That's all the really important stuff about me, I guess. LOL
How are we going to proceed with this, since tomorrow is October 1 (and I have not had the time to cheat and start reading the book yet)...are we going to just have a free-for-all discussion or, say, "assign" a certain number of chapters per week, or what? Bill? Some direction s'il vous plait?
GG
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