Modern Druidry

Um, A Druid, Seriously?

Yes, seriously. A quick history and then we'll get started. In 1963, students at Carleton College in Northfield MN objected to the college's requirement of mandatory atendance at religious services, so they protested by making up thier own religion. The school pulled the requirement a couple of years later, but the RDNA or Reformed Druids of North America continued as an organization. This soon spawned offshoot groups like OBOD (Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids), ADF (Ar nDraiocht Fein), and others. Druidry is not "Culture Specific", in that you don't have to paint yourself blue and hit people with a claymore to participate. The ADF for instance, is a PIE(Proto Indo European) group which takes what works both in culture and in their Rites and Rituals from the full spectrum of (you guessed it) Europe and India. RDNA was originally developed as a philosophy, and over time evolved and schismed into a Neo-Pagan organization. I could go on for quite a while, but we'll try to keep some semblance of order to my ramblings, and move on to the next section

Druid Organization, or lack thereof

Lets cover some interesting ground by exploring the different organizations, and how they're set up. I myself have been a member of ADF, and due to distance (the closest grove was 3 hours away when I was in Philly, in FL it's 6 hours)I have parted ways for a while. I just became a member of the Order of the Mithril Star, the teaching order of the Reformed Druids of Gaia. Both of these organizations have distinct styles, and even a bit of sillyness to them. We'll start with my small experiences with the ADF as a solitary, or distance member.

The ADF is a PIE group, or Proto-Indo-European culturaly focused. What is PIE? Well, in examining the structure, or what little of it we can find, of the ancient Celtic tribes, there are many similarities with Indian (those from India, not Native Americans) societal structure, as well as some similarities in the mythology (yep, that's why it's so confusing to most of us). This led some scholars to conclude that both cultures must have a common ancestral group. Well, nobody knows for sure, but it seems to work well. The two cultures have a surprising amount in common. The ADF is centrally organized, has a tight knit group of Elders and Officers which manage to keep it together fairly well. There are many Guilds, which study everything from Self Defense to Crafts and Music. It is very well organized, and surprisingly cohesive in comparison to most other organizations. There is a Dedicants program, which is a comprehensive self study course any Celtic or PIE pagan would be proud to complete, though it can be long and tedious at times. I enjoyed my time with the ADF, but being military, I tend not to live *close* to most groups I would worship with, and was never able to attend any events or meetings. I am still a member of Red Oak Groves mailing list, and do on occasion receive tidbits here and there of Wisdom and events.

Currently, I am with the Order of the Mithril Star, the teaching order for both the RDNA and RDG(Reformed Druids of Gaia, another offshoot of RDNA). I joined just a few weeks ago, and my experience with OMS, specifically Ravenswood Grove (located in sunny Middleburg FL, 10 minutes from my house, yay!) has been spectacular. They are a lighthearted, quirky, intelligent, and honest group whom also has a wealth of knowledge on their respective paths, and Druidry(or is it Druidism?) as they know it. The RDNA is (much) less organized, but make up for that by not taking religion as seriously as some other organizations. I don't mean that in any negative way, they are just a little more open minded to ideas outside the typical ruleset, and will invariably try anything once. Grove meetings typically consist of a Potluck, Centering, maybe a ritual if it is a holiday or the mood takes us, and some libations and general togetherness.

There are many other Druid Organizations, some I actually know people in, but most I have no real intimate knowledge of. My advice on finding a Grove, Coven, or Circle (whichever your path takes you too) is to be slightly cynical at first outset if you hear the words: Ancient Family Tradition (Only a Very few actually exist, most of those being Asatru or Heathen), Aliens (yeah, I've been there), a 14 year old claming to be a High Priestess, Asking you to come Skyclad for the Great Rite at your first meeting, or anything else that appears out of place. Some Groves and Covens will and do go Skyclad (read: Nude) for some rituals, or just altogether. So those (Nudity and Aliens) are valid, if sometimes uncomfortable, questions that should be asked before attending the first "Meeting". I would also recommend that you not attend rituals for the first meet and greet. It will allow you time to get to know the group, ask questions, and become familiar with what might be expected. Rites and Rituals to an outsider can sometimes appear confusing (Even for some of us Solitaries), and it helps to be prepped before hand. The Pagan community as a whole is not quite as organized as the Big 4 (If you don't get it, read my post on Celtic Paganism), and so can be prone to a few more bad apples. So, just like with anything else in your life, if it seems wrong it is. But if it seems right, do it until it hurts, then do it some more.

If there is any doubt, even after you join an organization, on their moral standing, try the Advanced Bonewits Cult Danger Evaluation Frame (ABCDEF for short).

For more information on the different Druid traditions, Joelle has done an excellent job ferreting them out and linking them. I don't know her/him, but I thank them nonetheless. Joelles Sacred Grove Celtic paganism links

Isaac Bonewits has also done a wonderful job, mostly since he was involved with Druidry from very close to the beginning. If you've not read his books, and you decide to follow one of the many Druid paths, you will end up with one in hand, and possibly a beer. Here is his website, directly to his index (his home page is kind of confusing): Neopagan.net Site Map