The History And History Of Druidism

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History:
Druids were experts on rituals and cult, as they performed these rituals. They worshipped in the open nature, such as rivers, tree groves, lakes, and island which were cult sites and retained their association with the sacred long after the Celts disappeared. Historically, Druids believed and worshipped warrior heroes with supernatural powers, the sacredness of the earth, Mother nature, the Goddess of fertility and protection, and the bringer of life.

The Celts spread into Europe from 3000 BCE onwards. Druidism has its roots in Ireland and in some parts of Ancient Wales, and gradually started spreading into Scotland, Wales and Cornwall. As the Roman Empire expanded into these territories, from the 1st to the 3rd century AD, they tried to convert people into Christianity, which created many conflicts between Druidism followers and Romans.

As the Romans progressed into their empire and won the battles against the locals, Druidism gradually disappeared. In 54 AD, Emperor Claudius even declared Druidic practices illegal. Druidism therefore slowly disappeared, with its followers wither killed in battles or converted to Christianity.

Little is known about Druidism in these early ages, for two main reasons. First of all, Druidic laws stated that its followers were not allowed to write down any religious rites. Therefore, they have remained largely secrete. Secondly, all historical records we have about Druidism, came from Greeks and especially Romans who were their enemies. Therefore these sources are considered biased, and are not reflecting the true nature of Druidism.

Druidism continued to be practiced very discretely in remote locations (mainly Wales and Ireland). During the Middle Ages, as we have some evidence of D...

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... vocations. - The Bards who are lyric poets, and musicians. The Vates who are diviners, and seers. Lastly, the Druids who are priests, doctors, philosophers, etc…

Relevance to the 21st century:
The early celtic beliefs seem to be familiar to the indian vedic cultures because of their common Indo-European heritage.
Some Celtic beliefs include Gods with multiple functions, and who became natural forces, gave justice, knowledge, arts, crafts, medicine, speeches, harvests, courage in time of wars. Druids share a belief in the spiritual nature of life as every part of nature is part of life. Druidry encourages us to love nature and peace of mind. Druids’ greatest characteristic of modern day lies in their tolerance of diversity. Druids give a lot of support to reforestation programmes. Most Druids are vegetarian or will eat meat and only support compassionate farming.

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