The Idea of this Course
Strange as it may sound, this course contains no information. It does not
provide all you need to know about Druidry. No book or course can.
For in this most ancient tradition of Druidry, it is nature that teaches
us. Seeking a way of living that allows peace, freedom, satisfaction, Druidry
guides us to look to our relationship with nature: with the landscape within
which we live, and the flows of energy within our own soul. It teaches us
to craft relationships with and within nature that are respectful, honest
and responsible. And, if we are willing and able, it shows us how we might
deepen those relationships to the point of intimate and sacred interaction,
washing us with ecstasy and the inspiration we call ‘awen’.
Druidry is the language we use for our relationship with nature. Some people
have a more acute sensitivity, perceiving subtler levels of energy, consciousness,
intention and presence; others find it hard to perceive anything other than
the physical world. Yet, however we are built, it is possible to improve the
way we connect and relate to the worlds in which we live. Deepening our relationships,
finding honesty, acknowledging sanctity, fine-tuning through wakefulness,
we learn to live lives that are grounded and vibrant. We learn to be creative
with the power of natural inspiration.
Taking that understanding, this course offers the simplicity of reminders,
guiding and directing through ideas and questions. If the course is worked
well, it will be the natural world (human and non-human) that provides any
information about what Druidry truly is. The course, then, aims to teach by
pointing out where and how the real teaching can be found.
Of course, from that point, we may find curiosity and crave learning about
mythology, archaeology, theology, and there are courses that can teach these
crafts, exploring the ideas. The purpose of this course is to develop the
undercurrent that flows beneath, a current that is profoundly Druidic.
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Why Take the Course
Even when our dedication is strong, our commitment declared, the distractions
and crises of our lives can too easily dilute our practice. Quickly we find
our relationships compromised by haste and lack of clarity, our inspiration
fading. A little structure can enable us more easily to hold to the tenets
of our tradition on a day to day basis. Some folk are happy to attend courses
that provide the motivation and discipline, others use correspondence courses.
However, both these can be expensive, particularly if we find their content
of limited value.
The Perennial Course offers a simple framework. Each unit is based upon the
course of one lunar cycle, encouraging awareness of this natural influence
upon our nature. The whole course comprises 13 units, stretching over the
journey of a year, allowing a sense of the sun’s cycle of waxing and
waning. While working through each unit with commitment, exploring each and
every element presented, will hold that awareness, it is as easy to dip into
it whenever we are seeking a little inspiration.
It doesn’t matter how many times the course is repeated. Nor is there
any end point when all that can be learned from the material has been learned.
Nature encourages us to carry on learning. Indeed, the more often we do these
exercises, the more strength and clarity we bring to our relationship with
nature’s teachers. As our focus develops, the more wakefulness we are
able to bring to every step of the journey and every decision we make. So
do we deepen our connection with nature, extending the wealth of our own creativity.
Of course, giving a course out freely carries the risk of individuals misunderstanding
the material, or finding its effect on their lives beyond what they can manage.
As a result, these units are overtly gentle and simple. Nonetheless, used
fully and regularly, they can be extraordinarily transformative.
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Who is the Course for
The course is not about the specifics of ritual, mythology, culture or heritage,
but about the simplest steps that make Druidry a deep, real and utterly natural
spirituality. It doesn’t go into magic or alchemy, but provides a foundation
of relationship that is considered essential for the deeper mysteries of Druidry.
As a result, giving guidance, suggestions and encouragement, rather than a
definitive body of Druidic knowledge, the course is designed to be of value
to everyone.
Someone beginning their exploration of Druidry can work through it methodically,
finding new ideas and exploring them as fully as they are able. The experienced
practitioner of Druidry can find clues and reminders in the material that
will encourage deeper exploration, passing over some elements and reaching
into others.
It is designed for an individual to be able to access and explore alone.
However, it is also appropriate for a group to work through the units together,
perhaps meeting once a calendrical or lunar month, in person or by internet
discussion, to share experience, support and discovery.
Written in the temperate northern climate of Britain, the course relates
to that cycle, reaching into the ancient roots of Druidry. However, this doesn’t
negate the course’s value for those studying in other areas, climates
and hemispheres of the world; if folk would like to submit notes from other
climates and natural cycles, they would be gratefully received.
There are a number of groups around the world who meet up to share the material of the course, either in structured teaching programmes or as more informal gatherings. Information about these can be found on this page.
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