Re: Recognizing Druids
TopazOwl

Mon Oct 26 20:27:45 1998
Searles wrote,*br*: I think a good rule of thumb on the use of the word, *br*: "Druid," would be the equivalent use of the word, *br*: "wise," in today's vernacular.  Would we really go *br*: around saying to our peers, "I am *WISE*!"?  Some *br*: of our peers might say that we are "wise," but *br*: that is a title that is earned by your actions, thoughts and *br*: spirit.  One cannot become wise by saying so.*p*    Indeed!*p*: In a similar vein, one can say that they are Doctor *br*: So-and-So, if the necessary requirements have been *br*: accomplished in one's education and a suitable outward *br*: symbol of the accomplishment has been publicly awarded *br*: within the society in which one lives.  That leads to the *br*: establishment of standards and schools, which is what we are *br*: working toward here in The Summerlands.*p*     That is similar to Beirdd's example of being called "Father," I believe. But here is the thing -- a priest in the Catholic church is called "Father." One even introduces oneself as "Father So-and-so" when calling on the phone or the like. He does not say, "I am a priest," because he does not *have* to. "Father" says it all. What name would a Druid introduce him or herself by? :-)*p*: It is the *br*: post-graduate work in areas of mental discipline and *br*: spiritual practice that need expansion to increase our *br*: "wisdom," IMO.  *br*:*br*: What is lacking froma basic university education are *br*: holistic practices of health and herbalism, astrology, a *br*: study of Celtic lore and tradition, the three forms of *br*: illumination: Imbas Forosna, Teinm Laegda, and Dichetal Do *br*: Chennnaibh, musical and poetical training, public speaking *br*: and presentation. psychological counseling, etc.  Now some *br*: undergraduate degrees allow for a specialization in these *br*: areas, so some overlap will occur, but I forsee that most *br*: people will benefit from retracing their educational steps *br*: with a Druidic emphasis, so there is no time wasted in *br*: gaining knowledge from other perspectives.*p*     I agree with you.*p*: All these things must be further quantified for us to *br*: attempt to be worthy of the title of Druid.  We've got our *br*: work cut out for us.  I'm certain that wherever we start *br*: will not be where we are in a few years. *p*     Indeed. :-)*p*: Our goal should be to pursue truth beyond the *br*: illusion of those without vision and to hold to the course *br*: that is illuminated for us by the inner light of imbas*p*     Yes. But we have to deal with the rest of the world, too, sometimes. *p*Leigh*br*
Re: Recognizing Druids
Searles
235
Mon Oct 26 14:00:27 1998