Seventh Edition: May 2001
Researched and composed by Cathbad

The Druids emerged from the ancient Celtic tribes, at a time when the people had to live close to nature to survive. By the light of the storyteller's fire, and with the play of the harp, the Druids dreamed magic for their people. In the deep woods they would gather, bringing together their mysticism and philosophy, their insight and learning. Their spirit emerged from the the tides of the sea, the light of the sun, the wind in the Oak, the cry of the deer. In this way, they created an institution that inspired, frightened, and uplifted their world.

The moon still dances for us now as she did then, and so the wonder of Nature remains as awesome as in those lost days. The Druids may be gone, but their magic is not. It may yet emerge from the earth again, if we remember her and love her again.

The Celtic People and their history	Introduction 20th Century Who were Druids? Celtic Nations Social Classes History Sources
Customs of Ancient Druidism	Women Sacrifice Misconceptions Symbols Elements Implements
A Selection of Ancient Lore	Gods and Goddesses Holy Days Ogham Geas
Expressions of Spirit	Beliefs Shamanism Animals Magic Sacred Places
Contemporary Druidic Traditions	Warriors Witchcraft Arthurian Christianity Romanticism Faerie Faith Contacts Charter of alt.religion.druid
Readings from Historical Sources	Miscellaneous history & poetry Selections from Carmina Gadelica Instructions of King Cormac The Testament of Morann

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Thanks be to Ray White, Kami Landy, Branfionn, Macgregor, Erynn, Saille, Searles O'Dubhain, Anthony Thompson, Shastan, and everyone at Nemeton-L and Whiteoak-L. Special thanks to The Gods!

The text of these pages is Copyright (c) 1994-2002 by Brendan Myers. The Seventh edition is Copyright 2001. All rights are reserved.

Please do not copy these articles on to your own web sites, discussion groups, chat rooms, email lists, and so on. I wish to make a career for myself as an author, so that I can continue to write and research more and better-quality work in the future. If you wish to share them with friends, just send them the link to the URL of this web site, or directly to the article you want to share. These ones are available here without any money-price, nor with any request for donations, but if I did all my work of this kind "pro bono" (i.e. for free) I would surely starve. Plagarism and "free" distribution has the potential to ruin the livelihood of any author. Although there is no technical way that I know of to stop people from downloading, printing, altering, editing, changing, or blatantly plagarising my work, still it is my legal & intellectual property. Please respect that.

Additional Writings, Essays, And Nonsense to be found here

The Ex Nemeton Series of Letters on philosophy and social issues for contemporary paganism (June 1999)

The Story of The Prarie Druid or, Catching a Charlatan. (March 1997)

Initiation and the Druid Secret Language The story of the Three Calls to Cormac interpreted as a Druidic initiation. (July 1999)

Not Just Tree Hugging After All! An essay on the ethics of Druidism. (January 1995)

Writing Away. Stories and photographs of my personal tours through Ireland's sacred sites.

A book review of The 21 Lessons of Merlyn by Douglass Monroe. (December 1997)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Druid? The central question for this web site, answered as concisely as I know how. (July 1999)

Is there a Druid organisation or grove near where I live? See for yourself in "A Forest Full Of Groves", ADF's directory of Druid organisations, local and international. (offsite link)

What books should I read to learn more? This is a bibliography of books and journals on the subject of druidism, celtic spirituality, history, archaeology, etc.

Does Cathbad teach any of this? I occasionally offer seminars, workshops, and informal lectures at Pagan gatherings. This lists some which I am willing to offer.

Has Cathbad published any books? I recently produced two books, one of which greatly expands upon the ideas and information in this guide to Druidry. Follow Follow this link to find out more.

Is there a place on the internet I can go to discuss and learn more? I moderate an email discussion group called The Nemeton. Click here to go to the web site and subscribe.

Contact the Author

Please direct any inquiries, questions, criticisms, or hello's to me through my comments page. More FAQ's answered on my personal page.