THE BASICS AND THEORIES OF DRUIDIC LORE

Druidic Lore is a Tradition that dates back farther than Wicca.  From this Tradition spanned off Wizardry, Arthurian Lore and some aspects of Wicca (it is thought by some that the branch of Avalon divided from the Druid practices and became so independent that it eventually became Wicca).  The Druids themselves were the religious teachers of the Celts.  Druidic Lore teaches that all religions are one, and all gods are one.  This comes from the theory of perception.  For example, if you were to set eyes upon the god-force (Akasha), you would not be able to view it in totality, simply because you are human.  Yet all gods branch from this one source. You might view the god-force as a diamond, whereas another person views the god-force as a large ball of spirit fire.  Who is correct?!?  You both are!!!  As a human, everything we see is slightly tainted towards our opinion, and so each of us views things differently.  It's the same as the half empty, half full glass.  Because we are human, we cannot comprehend the total, complete god-force, and must break it into smaller pieces to begin to understand its mysteries.  This is where all gods stem from, all Traditions, all types.

Stonehenge is thought to be an ancient Druidic temple of sorts.  This is because the Druids used the force of the Sun within their workings, as it is the male force of the solar system, residing within all.  All the Druids that wandered and practiced within Britain were male - the female counterparts practicing within Avalon alone (they followed the cycles of the Moon rather than the Sun).  For the two branches of the practice, there are two symbols, the Blue Rose for Avalon, and the Oak for Anglesey (male branch).

In ancient times, the Druids from the two Isles never practiced together or formed partnerships with others.  This was because of the belief that males are of the Sun and females of the Moon.  When the two are brought together, it neutralises both the power at hand and the energies of both people.  When a Druid was partnered, they basically retired, practicing only the smaller tasks (such as Herbalism). Arthurian Lore has a Druidic background, as it is written in legend that Arthur as a boy was taught by the powerful Druid Merlin (who was said to be half Fae, half human).  As Arthur learned and grew, he also progressed in his work as a mage and his ranking in Druidism increased.  Upon becoming the King who pulled the sword from the stone (a spell which Merlin himself had cast), Arthur was destined to unite the people and lead them with the Druidic Knowledge imparted upon him.  Arthur's mother died in Avalon, which Arthur held as sacred ground until the day of his death (hence Avalon's importance in the Tradition).

As I mentioned before, there are various ranks of the Druid apprentice.  Upon being accepted into the teachings, an apprentice will be handed the green robe of the earth.  As they progress along their path, their teacher will then test their confidence, and upon succeeding the apprentice is given the blue robe of the Bard.  Learning the power of words and song, the apprentice is tested once more, then handed the white robe of the Druid.  There was once the rank of Arch-Druid (Anglesey) and Arch-Priestess (Avalon), where only one person would be granted this position and be able to wear the appropriate coloured robe for the celebration (Grove Festival).

In the North (above the Equator), Grove Festivals are held eight times a year, at the same time as the Wiccan Sabbats and the Norse turning of Achtwan.  They are: ALBAN ARTHAN - Return of Summer IMBOLC - Celebration of the return of the full power of the Sun ALBAN EILER - Festival of Spring BELTANE - Celebration of the return of full-blown fertility ALBAN HEFFYN - Celebration of the coming of Winter LUGNASSADH - Festival of the last harvest ALBAN ELVED - Celebration of the return of Winter SAMHAIN - Celebration of the Moon's full power; Festival of the Dead To structure these Grove Festivals, the god-forms, alignment of the festival, sacred foods, incense, Festival customs and threshold time would be observed.  The appropriate prose and songs would be sung.  Although there would sometimes be a gathering of Druids (on Anglesey or Avalon), more often than not they would practice these rites solitary rather than ceremonially.

FURTHER READING AND INFORMATION The various websites mentioned in my links section and the FANTABULOUS book "The 21 Lessons of Merlyn" by Douglas Monroe (for either Arthurian or Druidic Lore - it's a step-by-step guide!!!  Also "Spirits of the Sacred Grove" by Emma Restall Orr is a view of how it can be adapted to modern-day practice. The Australian Pagan Information Centre (APIC) is an extensive networking service for all pagans in Oz.  Click on the link to check out the calendar of events, or write to them at: APIC LPO Box 300 Australian National University   ACT   2601 The Church of the Ancient Mysteries, directed by Anath Woolfkeepe is a place which teaches the occult mysteries.  For further information, write to them at: Church of the Ancient Mysteries PO Box Q223 Queen Victoria Building Post Office Sydney   NSW   2000 or phone them on: (02) 6687 6775

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