DRUIDRY FOR BEGINNERS

Druids share a conviction in the inherently spiritual essence of existence since Druidry is a spiritual path - a religion to some, a way of life to others. Some people identify as animists, pantheists, polytheists, monotheists, or duotheists, depending on how they perceive the source of this spiritual essence. Others will resist choosing any particular conception of Deity, claiming that it is unknown by the mind by its very nature.

Monotheistic druids believe in a single Deity, either a Goddess or God, or a Being best known as Spirit or Great Spirit to avoid gender connotations. Other druids, on the other hand, are duotheists, thinking that Deity is made up of two energies or entities, whom they refer to as the God and Goddess.

Druids who believe in polytheism believe in many gods and goddesses, whereas animists and pantheists think that Deity does not exist as one or more personal gods, but rather exists in all things and is everything.

Whether they have chosen to adopt a particular viewpoint or not, the greatest characteristic of most modern-day Druids is their tolerance of diversity: a Druid gathering can bring together people with widely varying views on deity, or none at all, and they will happily participate in ceremonies together, celebrate the seasons together, and enjoy each other's company – realising that none of us has the monopoly on truth, and that diversity is both healthy and natural.

Nature is such an essential focus of their veneration that all Druids perceive Nature as divine or sacred, regardless of their views about Deity. Every creature and element of nature is perceived as a part of the larger web of life, with no one species or facet having dominance over another. Unlike anthropocentric faiths, which believe that humanity plays a vital role in the scheme of things, this view is systemic and holistic, and sees humans as only one aspect of a larger family of life.

Are you curious about current Druid practices? Druidry is founded on three pathways that link nature, creativity, and the divinity.
Druidry is an ancient, nature-based spirituality that is still alive and well today. Druids were knowledgeable philosophers, historians, astronomers, diviners, and bards in ancient times. While their traditions died out over two millennia ago, today's druids take inspiration from the ancient druids' knowledge and surviving lore.

Modern druidry focuses on building a responsive, nature-based spiritual tradition that helps individuals grow their own creative skills, find healing with and through nature, and investigate metaphysical elements of the earth's spirit, as well as honoring old ancestors.