Re: When Druids Meet Daven daven@priest.com Fri Nov 10 15:31:03 2000 Searles wrote,*br*<snip of an interesting post>*p*My comments on this point by point.*p*>1. Druids recognize one another through inquiry and by detailing the truth of the inner *nature* that caused them to seek to become Druids.*p*One would assume from this that they trade life stories?*p*>2. Druids recognize one another through inquiry and by providing the *traditions* of the studies that formed them into Druids.*p*IE Talking about what they learned?*p*>3. Druids recognize one another through inquiry and by describing their *rank* of attainment in their chosen specialties of Draíocht.*p*This strikes me as bragging.*p*>4. Druids recognize one another through inquiry and by itemizing the *skills* in the art of Druids that they practice as Druids.*p*More bragging, but it can be done with some humility.*p*>5.Druids recognize one another through inquiry and by outlining the *goals* that they've set for themselves as Druids.*p*Okay, this one I can see. It's like what clergy do when they get together.*p*>6. Druids recognize one another through inquiry and by detailing their *accomplishments* in their life as Druids.*p*Strikes me as bragging again. But once again, it can be done with some humility.*p*>7. Druids recognize one another through inquiry and by tracing the Druidic *lineage* of their teachers.*p*Too much like the Wiccan "you aren't a *real* Wiccan because you weren't initiated by so-and-so".*p*>8. Druids recognize one another through inquiry and by performing *prophecy* that is inspired through imbas.*p*No comment.*p*>9. Druids recognize one another through inquiry and by *acknowledging truth* when they see it..*p*As everyone should.*p**br*>1. Can we ignore these nine points of being a Druid when we seek to be Druids ourselves?*p*It makes me wonder if some of these nine can be used in this day and age. I can trace my Druidic lineage through about 5 people, but not any further. And what is to say that the first Druid I can trace my lineage back to was any more qualified to be called a Druid than I am?*p*I think some intelligence needs to be exercised in using these as 'measuring sticks' for themselves and others.*p*>2. Can we afford to ignore discovering them in others who say they are Druids?*p*Like I say, we need to exercise common sense. I don't object to this being used, but sense needs to be exercised.*p*>3. Can we demonstrate them to the world through the truth of our own actions?*p*We probably could, but I don't think it would matter to a majority of humanity. Some of the populace would be ineresed in how *real* we are, if we are ordained, and so on, but most I don't think would care. It could be demonstrated, but once again, we would look like Catholic Priests who are more concerned with proving ourselves to each other, and society, to be concerned with taking care of our "flocks". *p*I would actually like to see some kind of measuring stick for Druids and Wiccans as well as Witches to denote who is serious about their path, and who is qualified to teach and preach, and to separate the fluff-bunnies out, but as long as there is no central authority to any of our paths, this may be a pipe dream.*p*My two cents worth.*p*Daven When Druids Meet Searles 734 Fri Nov 10 12:55:53 2000