So you’re a Druid… now what?
Remember, there is no rush. The path is the goal.
You’ve taken your first step onto an ancient, winding path, shrouded in the mists of time and enigma. Welcome, my friend. The call of Druidry, as old as the wind rustling through the verdant groves, has beckoned, and you have listened.
It starts as a whisper. A flicker of curiosity. A yearning for something timeless and profound. And now, here you are — a novice in this sacred tradition, ready to unfold its mysteries. But perhaps you wonder, “Now that I’m a Druid… what comes next?” Well I’m here to tell you that it’s a journey less about destinations and more about the magic of becoming.
Which path should I follow?
First, it’s essential to understand the path you’ve chosen. Druidry is a living tradition, a thriving continuum of the Old Ways steeped in reverence for the Earth, the Cosmos, and the endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Just as a tree has many branches, there are often a select few that are stronger than the rest. Druidry is the same, and there are three main branches that are worth understanding: Revivalism, Reconstructionism, and Reconnectionism.
- Revivalism breathes life into the old ways for a modern world, imbuing contemporary life with the wisdom and harmony of our ancestors. It’s about taking what once was and reshaping it into something that is better suited for today’s modern world. Revivalists probably make up the vast majority of the Druids you’ll meet and you’ll be glad to know that. They are less focused on the what-was and the could’ve-beens and focus more in the present.
- Reconstructionism, on the other hand, seeks to rebuild the ancient Druidic tradition as faithfully as possible, using historical texts and archaeological findings as its guide. It’s true that no one is a real Reconstructionist, and the name itself is an oxymoron as most of what you see on this path is closer to Revivalism that authenticity. Despite this, the goal of a Reconstructionist is a noble one, seeking a mystery that has been lost to time for millennia is no mean feat and requires years of practices and dedication.
- Lastly, Reconnectionism is the whispered voice of the soul that seeks unity with the natural world and the self. It’s the wind that tugs at your heartstrings, reminding you of your belonging to the sacred web of life. Being a Reconnectionist is about finding yourself through Druidry and finding peace with either your past, or the past that could have been. This new and fast-growing community is about healing through spirituality and through belief in oneself.
What is the point in Druidry?
It’s true that so much of Druidic history and practice has been lost to the ages, likely never to be refound. Despite this, many flock under the banner of Druidry for many reasons: peace, a love of nature, a desire to connect with ancestors and their heritage, confidence or even because the clothes look cool (a young initiative recently told me that they just wanted to be a Druid so they could walk about with a staff and get away with it).
In your journey as a Druid, you will encounter Comhoibriú (pronounced ‘co-vree-oo’), the keystone of our tradition — whether that specific term is used, or not. This Gaelic word denotes ‘harmony’. Striving for Comhoibriú is not about achieving a static state of balance but nurturing a dynamic, living relationship between yourself and the world. It’s the delicate dance of the willow in the wind, the gentle ebb and flow of the tide, the unfurling of a fern’s frond. It’s understanding that the world is slipping out of tilt, and perhaps you have found yourself slipping too. Finding a way to cooperate harmoniously with the world around you — with your friends, colleagues, your family or your lover — isn’t an easy task and requires daily, ritualistic practice. But in time, you’ll begin to notice the energy of the natural world, the call of birds which you once ignored, the trail of insects that once crawled unsuspectingly beneath your feet, the song of the breeze beneath the trees. It’s understanding the interconnectedness of everything, and how you, as a small grain of sand in this desert of a universe, can mean something.
Where can I learn Druidry?
You’re not alone on this path. Druidry is rich in community and shared wisdom. Regardless of the path you follow, most Druids today have learned the lesson of their ancestors and keep their hearths warm for unexpected guests. There are many out there, either in the hedge (on their own), or in the grove (within a group) who are happy to accept you and help you on your road.
There are four main groups that are worth investigating:
- The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD). Founded by occultist and academic, Ross Nichols, in the 1960s, OBOD puts its focus into personal spiritual development. They are arguably the most accessible of the big branches of Druidry and have a fantastic global community who promote positivity and happiness. In addition, they predominantely focus on Welsh mythology as a source of inspiration (Awen, my OBOD kin /|\).
- The Druid Order (also known as the Ancient Druid Order, ADO). Founded in 1909 by George Watson MacGregor Reid, sometimes referred to as the founding father of modern Druidry. Despite some pushback, they claim lineage to the AOD (below) and have a large focus in ceremonial magick and believe in direct experience with spirituality rather than an academic one.
- The British Druidic Order (BDO). Formed in 1979 by shamanic Druid, Philip Shallcrass. The BDO is the more religious of the three, focusing on Celtic Pagan polytheism, animism and ancestral veneration. They are also on a noble path of education, having launched the Druid Network in 2003 and the Hedge Schools initiative in 2013, both with the aim of promoting Druidry as a spiritual practice in the modern world.
- The Ancient Order of Druids (AOD) and the United Ancient Order of Druids (UAOD). According to legend, the AOD was founded in 1781, while the UAOD was formed in 1833 following a schism at the AOD. I have cheekily added this here for clarity because, contrary to the name, these orders are not directly related to Druidry or Celtic paganism. Instead, it is closer aligned to Freemasonry and simply utilises Celtic iconography.
On top of this, there are a number of smaller Groves who are separate to these branches, such as my own — the Druaícht Ársa Traiditon. But don’t let these different sects and orders hold you back, it is perfectly allowed to join as many or as few groups as you want. You should feel free to explore, venture into the different types of Druidry that is practiced and see which one(s) resonate with you most. Ultimately, no one climbs to the top of the tree by sitting on the same branch.
What am I supposed to do first?
So how do you begin this journey? Begin by listening. To the whisper of the wind, to the pulse of the Earth, to the beat of your own heart. Pay attention to the world around you. Take a walk in the woods or by the sea. Feel the chill of the wind, the warmth of the sun, the whisper of leaves under your feet. These are the sacred texts of Druidry, written not in ink, but in life itself.
Embrace the practices of Druidry, from daily rituals that celebrate the rising and setting of the sun and moon, to the grand ceremonies that honour the turning of the seasons; Imbolc, Bealltainn, Samhain and Lughnasadh. Practice mindfulness, walk in nature, meditate, journal, express yourself through art, music or poetry. Discover your inner grove, your sacred space of solace and reflection.
Remember, there is no rush. There’s a saying in Druidry: The path is the goal. You’re not in a race to reach the finish line. You’re here to savour the journey, to live, learn, and grow. Your path is unique, it’s your own. So tread with patience, curiosity, and reverence.
Welcome to Druidry, the ancient yet ever-new path. Let it guide you, challenge you, and fill your life with awe and wonder. For, as a Druid, you are now a steward of the Earth, a guardian of sacred wisdom, and a bridge between the human and the more-than-human world. It’s a journey of a lifetime, one step at a time. So, you’re a Druid… now begins the dance.
In the forest’s sacred hush,
Beneath the ancient oak and ash,
A river’s splash, a whispered wind,
An offer you should not rescind.
A Druid’s path, the journey’s dash.
