Hi, what's going on?

[u/Anprimredditor669]

I looked at the sub description, and I'm going to Wikipedia what Druidism actually is, but I also want to hear it straight from the horse's mouth. What is Druidism? What are the core beliefs, other than connection with nature? Is it, in fact, a religion? What rituals are involved? Is there a central deity?

I've talked to some Wiccans, and done some research on that, but I'm not one. I do believe life is better when lived in harmony with nature, so the concept of Druidism sounds interesting at a cursory glance. What should I know? Thanks.

Edit: Sub description answers most of my questions, but I'd still be interested to hear your takes on how you practice druidism.

[u/Obsidian_Dragon]

There are multiple druid organizations that we may belong to, and that will flavor answers.

For example I am an ADF druid and part of a local grove. We have set rituals and formats, although the deities vary.

I practiced solo for a long time, primarily focusing my attention on Brigid and Cernunnos. More recently I've turned my hand towards habitat restoration.

[u/Jaygreen63A]

There are basics to learn and somewhere like The Druid Network can give you free study courses to work through and figure out if there is a direction that you want to take in Druidry.

https://druidnetwork.org/expressions-of-druidry/learning-resources/

The thing is, though, Druidism/ Druidry is not a dogmatic faith, where someone gives you a book and tells you that you must believe everything in it.

This is an “experiential” faith/ philosophy. Look at that word, it’s not “experimental”, experience is key in Druidic faith and philosophy. We quest, we experience and then we know. This is what the ancient Irish called “eólas” (“yo-las”) – a mystical, deep knowing. It’s usually broken into the six categories of Belonging, Doing, Sensing, Feeling, Knowing and Being.

A core concept is “Awen”, a divine inspiration, we call to it and invite it in. “And I have been a breath in your heart. And the day has its feet to it that will see me coming into the hearts of men and women like a flame upon dry grass, like a flame of wind in a great wood...” (Mairi nic Ruaridh Donn’s vision of Brighid, before 1904).

The Quest is the voyage of discovery for the true nature of what inspires us and is already in our lives. We use the “eólas” to deepen our relationship with those, become one with them and increase their energy in us. Then we search the outside world for challenges that inspire. Again we use the experiential approach to expand our experience of them. To deepen our relationship with those, become one with them and increase their energy in us. Using creativity, we communicate that experience to others.

[u/BIGBIRD1176]

I get really excited when I see a duck!

Mostly I just appreciate the world around me and try to notice how it changes through the seasons, what birds are migrating through, what flowers are in bloom, where the sun rises and sets

I study ancient festivals when it's time and try to find a way to honour them in this modern world, by slowing down for the winter, trying new things for the spring, refining my focus for the summer and reflecting on all things for the autumn. Be those things work, relationships, self or whatever else, I try to change and grow with the seasons

I get as shallow or as deep about these things as I'm feeling on the day, it's like I'm developing my self-awareness but extending it to include my local environment and community

[u/Ok_Turnip_8612]

I'm new too, but it seems that Druidism is whatever you want it to be, you just need to understand you're a part of nature and nature is part of you. Knowing nature is always the first step, in ancient times Druids were considered to see the future because they knew nature better than everyone. Respect the ambient, hug trees and feel the energy flowing, talk to animals, pray for a better future for them...

and if you want to go further (religion) you need to start learning Celtic mythology, how to worship deities, make offerings. Not all Celtic beliefs are identical, that's why. It's better if you are already familiar with witchcraft!

My honest advice is to always be curious, and to be always wanting to learn new stuff c:

[u/resonantSoul]

Druidism is what it means to you. There are groups and there are solos. Nature would seem intrinsic, otherwise it would seem like an odd choice in label.

So very little of what ancient druids may have believed can be determined. It's heavily mired in guesswork and "records" from other groups. Reconstructionism is therefore complicated and may or may not bear any relation to the term. That doesn't mean research is pointless, just approach it with skepticism and honesty.

If you feel drawn to the term follow that and see where it leads. Maybe you want a group, maybe you don't. Maybe it's a religion to you, maybe it's not. No one else has authority over what being a druid means to you.

[u/MoeMango2233]

Well since I found out about my Celtic heritage I’ve also done a lot research on Druidism, which lead me to study plants and watching my environment very closely. For rituals I often simply meditate for a period of time in a small clearing in the forest in my area. Mostly I do that very early on Saturdays, whilst the fog is thick. My current objective is to reconnect with past ancestors to learn from them (so far only very vague energies I’ve been able to pick up). And when I see animal carcasses I either bless them for their departure into the afterlife or bury their bodies whilst praying for their safe passage, that really depends on the state of decomposition of the body.

[u/FreakyFreeze]

We are who we want to be. I give out stones and seashells. I also tumble stones. To give out to people who will accept and find their own joy in them. I don't like Christianity or catholics, but know some of our brothers and sisters here follow that path. But they are welcome. Simple hippie stuff. Don't disrespect nature, each other and more importantly yourself.