Hedges, Groves, and Orders… Oh my!
Finding your personal path in Druidry is no easy feat. It’s a process steeped in research, experimentation, and reflection.
As the mist rolls through the forest, the ancient oaks and elms whisper tales from times long past. Many souls seek the druidic path, hoping to rekindle a bond with the earth. Yet, the journey is vast, with winding trails to explore. Where, then, does one start?
It’s the question I hear most often, whether online or in person. I previously wrote about what to do when starting off as a Druid when you’ve taken the first couple of steps and are now wondering what is next. However, I now think it’s time to expand on that question and focus on something far more daunting: the very first step. So, here are some of the most common questions I see from those who want to explore the path but are stuck at the beginning of their journey.
Are there any reliable sources to teach me about Druidry?
Here’s the easiest question, which also has the hardest answer… No.
Now read it again. There aren’t any “reliable” sources on Druidry. Why? Because we know so little about the real-life Druids from history. Most books from the ancient world that discuss Druids come from people who had likely never set foot in Britain or Gaul, and thus, probably never encountered a Druid. One source that we can consider, albeit with a pinch of salt, is Julius Caesar who not only met Druids but also fought against them.
In his writings, Commentarii de Bello Gallico (a comprehensive commentary of his military and political conquests in Gaul and Britain), Caesar discusses the Druids in great detail. He mentions their reverence for nature, their importance in the political hierarchy of the European Celts, and the 20-year-long process it took to become a Druid. However, we can’t accept everything Caesar said as fact. Ultimately, the Romans were in direct conflict with the Celts, and portraying them solely in an admirable light would have garnered them favor in the Roman Senate, potentially disrupting Caesar’s expansionist ambitions. This type of demonization was (and still is) a tactic frequently used by politicians. That being said, some of Caesar’s writings convey respect — possibly even awe — of the Druids’ knowledge and influence. It’s for this reason alone that we can confidently say the Druids held significant importance in Celtic society.
However, that’s where the authenticity stops. As far as we’re aware, the Druids never committed their secrets to record, and discussing Druidic matters with outsiders was strictly forbidden. So, where else can we turn to for educational insights on Druids?
Myths, fables, legends, and stories. Druids existed approximately until 600 AD. By this time, Christianity had all but eradicated any remnants of the Druidic movement in Ireland and Scotland. Admittedly, these Druids of the latter days were a shadow of the once-great institution they represented. Yet, their tales and reverence persisted, echoing through time in our regional mythologies.
So keep that in mind when purchasing books on Druidry. What you’re going to read isn’t “authentic,” because no definitive authentic record exists. The multitude of Druidry books available today are indeed incredible, engaging, informative, and educational. They represent the author’s personal interpretation of Druidry and the way of the Druid. While reconstructionism (the Druidry path focused on reviving historically accurate Druid practices) is a commendable pursuit, we must reconcile with the fact that many pages of our past have been irretrievably lost to the sands of time. However, don’t let this realization dishearten you. In fact, it can be seen as a positive aspect, allowing us in the 21st century to reintroduce Druidry in a manner potentially superior to its original form. After all, if Ancient Druidry had been as flawless as some imagine, it might have withstood the tide of Christianity.
What are Druidic Paths?
I delved into this topic in greater depth in my previous article, but here’s a brief rundown:
Modern Druidry can be broadly categorized into three primary paths:
- Reconstructionism — A quest to resurrect historical Druidry.
- Revivalism — An effort to craft a contemporary, user-friendly version of Druidry.
- Reconnectionism — An endeavor to rediscover oneself through immersion in nature and ancestral heritage, viewed through the prism of Druidic beliefs.
Each of these paths reveals geographic nuances reflective of the vast territories once inhabited by the Celts. This ancient people had settlements spanning regions such as Iceland, Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Egypt, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Turkey, and beyond. Each nation was home to myriad Celtic tribes, each espousing their own unique religious practices, mythologies, and societal structures. Druids, with their ability to draw parallels between diverse tribal practices, were perhaps the unifying thread weaving through these various tribes, explaining why their expertise was sought across different territories.
Finding your personal path in Druidry is no easy feat. It’s a process steeped in research, experimentation, and reflection. Even when you discover a path that truly resonates with you, I urge you to persist in your quest for knowledge. Emulate the ancient Druids — keep learning, keep growing, until you’re wholly secure in the path you’ve chosen to tread.
Which order should I join?
Honestly, this ranks as one of my least favorite questions. There’s no mandate to join any neo-druid order. Many are drawn to Druidry precisely to escape the structured rigidity found in several reformed religions. Yet, they often find themselves exasperated when they encounter similar structures in some orders.
Now, I’m not painting all Orders with a broad brush. They have their place and value (and I myself am part of a few orders, or traditions), but they’re not a universal fit. That’s why many, much like the Wiccans describe, choose to walk “down the Hedge” — forging their own path. Druidry is a kaleidoscope of experiences. Some are attracted by its teachings, some by its reverence for nature, while others seek a sense of community. At its core, however, Druidry is a deeply personal and spiritual journey, an experience to be cherished whether undertaken solo or within a group.
Given this, let’s dissect the three types of communities typically encountered in Druidry:
Hedge Druidry: The DIY Path
Imagine you’re standing at the edge of a mystical forest. It’s just you, your intuition, and the universe. Hedge Druidry is akin to forging your own trail in this vast woodland. There’s no map, no compass — only the call of the heart. Many find solace in this solitary path, where every ritual, every whisper to the winds, is deeply personal. But, as with any solitary journey, there can be moments of doubt, moments when you yearn for companionship.
Druidic Groves: The Communal Heartbeat
Emerging from the forest’s depths, you might discover a grove, a sacred circle of ancient standing stones. Groves can be the sanctuary for those who seek community. They are gatherings of like-minded souls, where rituals are shared, and the spirit is celebrated collectively. Some groves stand alone, a band of individuals seeking shared enlightenment. Others, however, are tendrils of a much grander entity — an Order.
Druidic Orders: The Structured Symphony
Deeper still within the forest, where the canopy grows thick and shadows dance, lie the Druidic Orders. With tradition, structure, and teachings passed down through generations, these Orders offer a guided path. They are the repositories of ancient wisdom, and for those who seek mentorship and a structured approach, they can be illuminating.
Yet, like any vast forest, the druidic path is unique for every traveler. Some may find solace in the solitary whispers of the hedges, others in the shared chants of groves, and yet others in the echoing hymns of grand Orders.
As you stand at the forest’s edge, remember: the path you choose is yours alone. Let your heart be your compass and the ancient trees your guides.
In the shadow of dreams yet to unfold,
Each step, though small, is courage untold.
Though the path is vast and the end seems far,
Each stride is a note in your rising star.
Braving the distance, making dreams whole.
