Re: Recognizing Druids
Searles

Mon Oct 26 14:00:27 1998
I think a good rule of thumb on the use of the word, "Druid," would be the equivalent use of the word, "wise," in today's vernacular.  Would we really go around saying to our peers, "I am *WISE*!"?  Some of our peers might say that we are "wise," but that is a title that is earned by your actions, thoughts and spirit.  One cannot become wise by saying so.*p*In a similar vein, one can say that they are Doctor So-and-So, if the necessary requirements have been accomplished in one's education and a suitable outward symbol of the accomplishment has been publicly awarded within the society in which one lives.  That leads to the establishment of standards and schools, which is what we are working toward here in The Summerlands.*p*To me, to be a Druid one must have achieved a certain education in the ways of the physical world through art and science.  One must also have practiced the disciplines of logic and mind that are necessary to be an impartial and objective observer and judge.  Finally, one must practice certain spiritual techniques in truth and devotion that honor the gods, the people and the land.*p*Some things we should learn and practice are a knowledge of herbs, the skies, the lands, the seas, poetry, counseling, laws, histories, group dynamics, magick, ritual, healing, psychology, chemistry, physics, biology, botany, mysticism, and languages.  Many of theseitems are covered in the basics of university study, so I feel we can follow the curriculum provided by those institutions in such areas.  It is the post-graduate work in areas of mental discipline and spiritual practice that need expansion to increase our "wisdom," IMO.  *p*What is lacking froma basic university education are holistic practices of health and herbalism, astrology, a study of Celtic lore and tradition, the three forms of illumination: Imbas Forosna, Teinm Laegda, and Dichetal Do Chennnaibh, musical and poetical training, public speaking and presentation. psychological counseling, etc.  Now some undergraduate degrees allow for a specialization in these areas, so some overlap will occur, but I forsee that most people will benefit from retracing their educational steps with a Druidic emphasis, so there is no time wasted in gaining knowledge from other perspectives.*p*All these things must be further quantified for us to attempt to be worthy of the title of Druid.  We've got our work cut out for us.  I'm certain that wherever we start will not be where we are in a few years.  It's also been my experience that we will have our share of detractors at all times.  Our goal should be to pursue truth beyond the illusion of those without vision and to hold to the course that is illuminated for us by the inner light of imbas.  To know where we are going, we only have to fully understand where we have been and where we are now.  Our pathway is the extension of that process into countless lives and futures.*p*Searles*p*TopazOwl wrote,*br*: 1 X 2 Willows wrote,*br*:*br*<snip>*br*:      If you don't have the knowledge base, if you aren't *br*: familiar with the symbols and archetypes of the Celtic *br*: cultures (if a Raven comes to you and you have no idea what *br*: she means in a *Celtic* context, for instance, but you do *br*: have a New Age definition, well, you might misinterpret the *br*: sign, eh?), then how could you build a Druidism that follows *br*: in the footsteps of our forebearers? And if it doesn't, well *br*: -- can it be considered Druidism?*br*:*br*:      I have a problem with the "self-proclaimed" *br*: as well. As I said elsewhere and I'm sure you read it, your *br*: *community* has to honor you with the title before you can *br*: go telling people you're a Druid. And if one is not doing *br*: all those things for one's people that the ancients did, can *br*: one really think that one deserves to have that ancient *br*: title bestowed upon them? It is the epitome of arrogance to *br*: bestow that title upon oneself, IMO. Doesn't a person have *br*: to be accepted by his/her peers to be a Druid? I mean, you *br*: can call youself a Druid, but if no other respected Druid *br*: recognizes you as such, are you a Druid? *br*:*br*<snip>
Re: Recognizing Druids
TopazOwl
234
Mon Oct 26 09:50:58 1998