About Druidism

My understanding of Druids is that they do not preach or evanglize and this is as it should be. Why is this so? I believe for a number of reasons. Not least because what is seen as Pagan and heretical can sometimes precipitate a negative reaction in a society that tends to regard the status quo as all important. At best Druids are seen as somewhat naive and eccentric, even dillusional. What possible effect can praising and revering the Goddess Danu have on the state of our rivers and seas..

However, to really respect our streams and oceans means not polluting them or sucking them dry to lubricate the wheels of industry. Globally many rivers no longer reach the sea, all their life-giving waters having been used up long before they get there. These problems are worse in the developing world as it struggles to achieve the status of the affluent West. Everywhere we see this irrational obsession with economic growth, as if we could go on pillaging the earth for yet more natural resources forever, ad infinitum..

The Druids of ancient times repaired to their groves in the forest to do ceremony and discuss matters pertaining to the well being of the people. Although it must be said that back then change was not occuring at the rate it is nowadays. We live in very different times, a time of immense urgency. Our cultural mindset is going to have to change in order to bring about the stability that our planet so desperately needs. To honour, respect and nurture the natural world has got to be a big part of the way forward. I am not advocating a propaganda campaign on behalf of Druidism but it's tenents are a vital part of saving Mother Earth from the ravages of a materialistic society. Films like Avatar do a fine job in this direction. I don't suppose Druidism will ever lose it's misty persona, nor would I like it to, but maybe it's time that Druids were to be seen standing at the edge of the forest. Síochána. Jonny.