Soundbite definitions ...
Why do we need them? To give quick answers to fundamental questions, all of which in reality take many years to understand and long tomes to explain. However, one of my favourite teachers always made it clear to me that a person only knows something when he/she can write its essence upon a postcard. As it is also profoundly true to say that the more we know of any subject, the more we realize we know virtually nothing, I hereby offer these definitions with some tentative reservations ...
After each one, I offer a challenge to others to send their own definitions on the word, in less than 100 words. These will be published: the sensible, clear, brilliant, the serious and comedic: email us.
Druidry ...
is the native spiritual tradition of the islands of Britain. Evolving over millennia since the first post-glacial settlers, it was a magical pagan religion and for many it still is: based on sacred relationship between the individual and the spirits of nature, the landscape and the ancestors. Its ethics are based on honour - profound respect - for life itself, its practice based on the quest for wisdom through inspired relationship with spirit and the expression of truth through living fully and in a sacred manner, in beauty and with conscious creativity.
Nicholas Mann : Druidry, for me, is the willingness to understand the soul of the place where one dwells. It means being willing to go deeply into and so understand every nuance of the flora and fauna of one's locale, its people and its terrestrial landscape as well as its celestial: solar, lunar and stellar, patterns. It means studying and understanding its history, its mythic traditions, its stories, its culture, lineages and its music. And above all, it means being willing to serve all those things so their highest fulfilment can take place as a manifestation of the beauty of the world soul, in the truth of the wisdom of spirit. Finally, Druidry, for me, means doing this no matter what political, religious, cultural or natural climate may prevail.
Heather James : Druidry is the ancient religion of Britain. It guides us in our devotion to the gods of Britain, those whose ancient names we know and those whose names are now lost. It guides us to understand who the gods are and how they influence our lives. It guides us to express our love and respect for the gods, making offerings, prayers and sacrifices that are appropriate.
Michael Nisbet : Druidry is the art of mediation between the standing folk (trees) and the walking folk (us humans). The ancient druids - or their immediate forebears - came to the aid of the walking folk when the standing folk had a stranglehold on the continent of Europe. This they did, at a spiritual and cultural level, by ’humanising’ the forest. They drew it into the sphere of human meaning and use. The mission of the modern druid is to aid the standing folk to redress the balance that the success of the walking folk has destroyed.
Julia Bremble : At the centre of Druidry is the quest for inspiration. This is sought in the beauty of nature, music, poetry, art, dreams, mediation and the wisdom of our ancestors and the ancestors of the land. Druidry helps its practitioners to find deep personal healing and growth, and through this, connection to spirit, to the earth, to nature and to life. Druids usually live within the boundaries of a strict personal code of ethics, and for most this will include being vegetarian or vegan, and living as lightly as possible upon the land in order to cause as little impact on both their immediate environment and therefore the wider environment, as possible.
Philip Anderson : Druidry is a very earthy yet very mystical approach to life lived on the threshold of the other world, for those who intuitively feel spirit and divinity pervading all of nature and who like a good story. Druidry is a special role, vocation and service within the tribe, our community. It is the role of a special kind of spiritual adviser/intercessor that has existed since the dawn of time, was performed by the celtic druids and is still found in shamanic and some aboriginal cultures. Druidry is an open hearted and often lonely, difficult vocation of ever-learning that finds inspiration through celtic tradition, through the honourable ways of our ancestors, and deeper still we wish to learn the wisdom of sun and moon, of the sky, land and sea, of trees and animals. This search for wisdom is for its own sake and so we may know our selves, to awaken the best part of us, and weave a personal and meaningful story through all the great joys and deep sorrows of daily life. Our service can take many different forms: it may be expressed in inspired works of story telling, art and craft, and in conservation and protecting the natural world, in teaching, counselling and healing; in peace making and resolving disputes; and in striving for justice, honour and truth whereever we are.
Jamie Wiseman : There are many forms of Druidry today, and the expression of the path is as diverse as every individual who practises it. But there are some broad tenets that hold the strands together with a common bond, allowing the energies and spirituality of individuals blend and mix to create what is recognisable to many as Druidry. It is about respect for others and for the environment, about understanding ourselves, and about reverence for our gods, whoever they may be, by whatever names we know them. It is about connection spirit to spirit, with each other and all living things.
Helen Key : Druidry is an understanding of place and purpose within this existence, that enables life to be lived, conscious of all that connects spirit. With this understanding comes a strength to be fully awake to and respond intimately to life, conscious of the effects of those responses on all spirit.
Kris Hughes : Druidry is the native song of this land, unforgotten, unchanged, a song that crackles with vibrancy, wonder and awe. It is the wisdom of the natural world, a tradition that continually evolves to suit every time and every society that has lived here. Its magic to me is that it must be experienced not just taught, a transformative spirituality that sings of our origination and connection to the land and the universe itself. In druidry we are led gently by the hands of another through a moonlit meadow to the edge of a deep, dark forest, and encouraged to walk the forest path alone, allowing the inspiration and wisdom of the wild to seep into the spirit. Druidry is a song that we all can sing to, in harmony to the same tune, only we must find our own lyrics. It is a purely organic tradition, connectiong us to the soil of our land, to the spirits and gods of our tribes, teaching us honour and reverance, respect and understanding.
Nick Griffiths Haynes : Simply it is the spirituality of the land. It is standing here in this place and acknowledging your relationship to it. It is standing on the earth and feeling your own insignificance, your own importance, your link through the flow of your ancestors to everything that has lead to this moment and everything that leads from it. It is being inspired by the world around you and knowing that you are a part of it, as it is a part of you.
Star : Druidry for me is having a deep connection with all aspects of nature to honour and flow with its force. It is the living wisdom that calls us to honour the earth as the true source of our freedom, living in harmony and respectful balance with the land. It is about building relationship with everything, finding our inspiration with the earth, expanding our minds, being creative in making a difference, living ethically and unselfishly and being willing to be of service to others in all aspects of society. It is about getting muddy, feeling the subtle shifts of the seasons and the rhythms of the plants and animals, having a solid understanding of connection with our environment. Druidry is the living breathing inspiration of the Earth which we honour and respect.
Wayne Danewood : It is standing on one spot of the Land, hearing, feeling and listening to the Heartbeat of the Land. It is making a connection to the energy and Spirit of the Land. It is seeking to find and accept your own place in the
Web of energy that flows through all existence and whilst doing so accepting and honouring all that is connected through that Web.
Paul Krul : Many different views exist about the principle components of Druidism. But among the Druid community, components commonly include; spiritual, religious, cultural, intellectual, mythological and ritual. A mythological story is often created with elements of the other five components. The words '"spiritual" and "religious" are used interchangeably. And if we take an expanded view of word "ritual", it can be combined with "cultural". In the end we come to three basic components of Druidism; spiritual, ritual and intellectual. All three brought together in balance make up the foundation of Druidism. A
Druidic Trinity.
Autumn Song : Druidry for me is the song of these green islands, the expression of spiritual energy that has existed for thousands of years upon these shores. A native religion, an ancient religion, an evolving religion, a new religion - it is all these things given shape and form by humankind that is relevant to each individual, as well as having characteristics that are applicable to a wider spectrum, to be shared. It is a spirituality that today goes beyond these shores, however; it is an honouring of the land beneath your feet, the sky above, the waters in all shapes and forms. It is a language that is used to communicate with the natural world.
What's your definition?
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Awen ...
is the energy of divine inspiration, the flow of spirit, the essence of life in motion. It is the exquisite power of sacred relationship, the power that floods through the body and soul when spirit touches spirit, life is acknowledged, a moment's experience shared, divine energy exchanged. Awen is the focus of the deep inner quest; it is what we all seek as we stumble through life, that which brings us wisdom, clarity, freedom, ecstasy, the joy of being alive, simply being, peaceful, presence. It is fire in the head, poetic frenzy, lust for breath, complete purpose in perfect serenity.
Kevin Emmons : To me, Awen is that intangible magical energy that flows between souls when they recognize a soul to soul connection is shared. It is the energy that fills us when we experience that beautiful mystery of love at first sight - all the facades fall away and two souls touch and share on the most intimate level. This isn't just a human energy. Sunlight touching new leaves, rain flowing over ancient stones, the wind through the trees, the life and death dance between lions and gazelles, my father stepping willingly into death - these are relationships where awen is flowing. It is a potentiality that is always present. Stepping into this flow is possible at all times, in all of our relationships. It is a matter of learning to recognize our own soul and finding the strength and courage to express the truth of it without letting fear put up walls (walls that block the flow of awen) and then stepping consciously into relationship with another soul, letting the truth of that relationship flow and be expressed naturally. Awen isn't love. It is the energy that fills us when there is truth in relationship. It is the most natural simple thing to do but it takes a lifetime of work for most of us! Learning to do this is why I practise Druidry.
Robin Herne : The Welsh concept of Awen stems primarily from a medieval text detailing the story of a witch, Ceridwen, who brews a magical potion to give her ugly son mystical powers to compensate for his appearance. The potion is accidentally drunk by a servant, who undergoes many amazing transformations. Words of equivalent meaning ("poetic inspiration") from Gaelic are imbas or aì. Many modern Druids tend to focus on Awen not only as a form of poetic inspiration, but as a sort of divine flash of understanding. Rather than trying to brew up the magical potion, they normally chant the word as a mantra. It is unclear how far back this word goes, so it cannot be said with certainty that ancient druids held to such a notion, though linguists regard the word as of very early origin and not a medieval invention.
Philip Carr Gomm : [Awen exists] in the form of an energy which is seen as bringing illumination, inspiration and wisdom. Known as Awen in Welsh and Imbas in Irish, Druids sense this as a universal force which flows through the world and which can be encouraged to flow through us to bring these gifts. The words 'Imbas' and 'Awen' are chanted in ceremonies or meditation, and the study of this force, and how to encourage it in our lives, forms the basis of much Druid training.
Kris Hughes : "The Awen I sing from the deep I bring it, like a river it flows..." Words of the great bard Taliesin, introducing us to the wonder and mystery of Awen. Inspiration is too poor, too clean a word to even attempt to explain it. Awen is above, beyond and throughout everything that exists, has existed and ever will. Imagine all the gods and goddesses of the universe playing football on a vibrant green pitch, Awen is the sun which shines upon them, it is the breath vapour that leaves their lungs, the wind that teases their hair, it is within and without them. Awen lies at the heart of Druidry, it is the mytsery that hides in the darkness, holding truth in its song. It is that which sings creation into being, and we are a part of its voice, neither seperate from it of subservient to it. The blinding rays of Awen shine from the deepest darkness and it is here that we find Awen in all its glory, in the darkness of potentiality.
Aracos : When light, shadow, colour, tone, texture, composition ad perspective fall into place perfectly at just the fraction of a second of exposure... this is Awen. When the driving beat, perfect pitch and melodious harmony calls forth an uncontrollable gasp, irresistible movement and brings mist to the eyes in a rush of tingling endorphins... this is Awen. When words flow unbidden to the page and perfectly poetic prose is penned which coaxes the reader to say "exactly!"...this is Awen.
John Cameron : I am an Irish druid and here we call Awen Aí or Aoi. It comes in three forms, a trinity, which is Imbas foronsai, Díchetal do chennaib and Teinm Laída. Through its expression it is seen in Baile or the Welsh Awenddyion. As a symbol it is the well of wisdom which has the seven or five streams (openings of the body - the senses) flowing forth from its source - the spirit/well. There are three elements of earth below, heaven above and sea around - in addition to these is fire, and Neart, the fifth element which also represents heaven (Nwyvre in the Welsh tradition). The Welsh system is almost always used, so I hope this Irish view gives you inspiration.
What's your definition?
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The Awen Symbol ...
(used as a watermark on the pages of this website)
was devised by the nineteenth century genius and charlatan of Druidic history, Iolo Morganwg, as an expression of the power of awen, the essence of Druidry. Most commonly depicted as three circles with three lines beneath, it could be understood as the sun at its eastern equinoctal rising point, with the midwinter (SE) and (midsummer) NE rising points on either side; the rays are the sun's gift of light, warmth, inspiration, expressing symbolism of knowledge, guidance and wisdom. The circles can also be understood as the three drops of inspiration from the Welsh tale of Cerridwen.
Heading over the 100 word limit ... in the Druid Network logo, the central circle is a five-pointed star or pentagram, denoting the magical elements of creation, earth, air, fire, water and spirit. While other draw circles around the awen, symbolizing the worlds we live in, the Network awen's lack of enclosing circle expressing the idea of nature and the many worlds extending far beyond our ability to perceive or imagine, as indeed does our own spirit and potential.
Kris Hughes : The Symbol first appears in the Barddas of Iolo Morgannwg yet without the three circles above them. It is a simple, yet apt symbol which adequately coneals mystery and magic within its simplicity. The symbol can still be seen on the regalia and chairs of the National Eisteddfod of Wales. We have much to thank Iolo Morgannwg for, if it wasnt for him these words would not appear here, neither would this website. His symbol conitunes to inspire and lead people to the wonders of Awen.
John Cameron : The symbol of Aí, Ireland's Awen, first appears in old medieval manuscripts called Phagos (beech tree)and emancholl (twin hazel, where Aí comes from) as the last letter of the Ogham alphabet. Its symbol is that of the five or seven streams of the senses from which flows Aí - at its core the hazel nuts of wisdom which fall into the water turning it purple, which is its associated colour. Ai also means sheep or swan, both symbols of the soul when it is at peace with the world.
What's your definition?
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Spirit ...
Nick Griffiths Haynes : Spirit is energy. It is the life force that permeates all things. Every person, every rock, each plant and animal has spirit flowing through it. Each individual thing differs only in how the energy is expressed. Everything has its own pattern of energy, vibrating at its own frequency. Each thing has its own sound, its own song. This is its raw energy, its spirit.
Leon Sloan : Spirit is the one thing that sets us all apart but at the same time brings us all together. It tells us we are still alive and reminds us to enjoy the life we live and make it special. It makes us whole and lets us feel. It makes us cry and laugh. It lets us believe and makes what we believe special to us. It lets us love people and all things important to our lives. It lets us do many wonderful things that without it we couldnt do. Most importantly our spirit is us. Our spirit is everything.
What's your definition?
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Pagan ...
is a word that derives from the Latin pagus, meaning a village or community. Implicit in the word is the idea of a perspective based on natural law or lore, as opposed to government by laws of men. This could imply an anarchy or social ammorality, but in fact outlines the connection, interaction and interdependency of human relationship within natural ecology. Paganism focuses on individual and local diversity, on change held within nature's tides and cycles, and on forging sustainable relationships built on honour for all things.
Julia Bremble : Paganism is an umbrella term used to describe a religion or spirituality that is based on the earth and in nature – a bit like different branches of Christianity all under that umbrella. Paganism is a native religion of place, but is not confined to one place; for example, the Native American's religion is Pagan, Hinduism is a form of Paganism. All Pagan religions are characterised by a connection to and reverence for nature, and are usually polytheistic i.e. have many Gods and/or Goddesses. Most Pagans are animists seeing spirit as immanent in the whole of life - in every tree, plant and animal, Pagans live their lives attuned to the cycles of Nature and the seasons (time). Druidry can be a branch of Paganism but not all Druids are Pagans – some are Christians, or from other faiths. This is because for some people, Druidry is simply a way of life, a natural philosophy of living but for Pagan Druids, it is also a rich deep religion based in nature.
Bruce Denney : I think the spiritual definition of a Pagan is a someone who has the earth / nature at the core of their beliefs.
Crow Feather : Find the spirit dog from the sky, the land, the eagle, the wolf, the river, and the trees. Take the spirit dog into your heart and dance with it for one change of the moons. Then you will know what a Pagan is. You will find that you must take charge of your world and that you are responsible for everything in it. The spirit dog is only a guide on your journey down the stream of life. you chose your Gods ... and your demons. A wise Pagan never stops seeking the truth and the iron that binds it. This is a Pagan's path in life ... and in death.
What's your definition?
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Heritage ...
Kris Hughes : Druidry connects us to the very essence of our cultural heritage, combining honour, reverence and wisdom. It is our heritage which builds the bridge that connects us to the wisdom of the ancestors. It is heritage that burns in our veins, that cause the mists of time to vanish before our eyes, it is the very thing that draws us to the ancient wisdom of these lands. Our ancestors are honoured in Druidry, we feel them in the wind and rain, and it is our heritage that connects us to ancestral memory and to the secrets that hide within this land. Our heritage makes us who are, it is the spirit that formed our future, that which inspired the past.
What's your definition?
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Ancestors ...
Nick Griffiths Haynes : The current of humanity flows through us. We can reach back along our bloodlines, riding the blood that pumps through our veins, to find our ancestors. All of the people who came before us, who went first so we could come into being, they are our ancestors. All of their emotions, needs, wants, fears, loves, losses… all that we are and all that we will become. As we pass on our genes our blood and our teachings, we honour our ancestors by honouring our descendents. They merge to become one and the same.
Dana Martine : This is the energy of those who have come before me and have passed onto me the mystery in which I search. By merely being attracted to someONE or someTHING means that this is where I know to look for answers in my purpose, in my bloodline and my interests that will guide me to what is right. When I call upon my ancestors, I feel my "home" close by, dissipating any fear I may have in the moment.
Emma Restall Orr : The river of blood, heritage, learning and memory within which we live our lives, encompassing all that has gone before and all that will flow after us - the consciousness of our people.
What's your definition?
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Fluffy Bunny ...
is a strange one to put in at the end here, but we had a definition submitted and I thought I'd add it to provoke a pause or raise a smile.
Bruce Denney : A Fluffy Bunny is someone who has got involved in something without quite understanding what they are doing. Fluffy Bunnies either get serious or get out, but they can be unfairly targeted by more serious people.
What's your definition?
And what other words should we here define? ...
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