for their magick. They had a strict code of ethics about what they would or would not do.
Druids were usually well trained in the arts of healing and divination, and were often
referred to as Seers, Shaman and Wise Ones. A druid did not flaunt his or her magickal
ability and tended to be rather reclusive. Training often took place on a one on one basis
or in small groups. Druids were highly respected in their communities as clergymen etc etc
until the onset of the new religion, at which time the practice was outlawed. Being the priests of the
day, they performed many services for the community for free or for small donations, which
the common man could afford. As a result, their wardrobe was quite plain and practical. They
often decorated their robes and pouches with items found in nature.
Druid magick is a spiritual connection to nature and the gods and goddesses who exist in
nature. The Druids would call upon the assistance of the gods and give an offereing to the
gods in return. There is no evidence that Druids ever sacrificed humans, as the only mention
of this comes from the Romans, who were their mortal enemies. It is my opinion that the
Druids did not engage in any type of human sacrifice- at least not for magickal purposes.
There is certainly evidence that the ancient Celts believed in and practised capital
punishment, but no direct evidence to suggest that that this practise was conncected to
their spiritual and magickal practises, rituals, etc. The Druids did, however, sacrifice
animals. They did have a need for blood sacrifice in their practise.
It is believed that the Druids did not conjur or control spirits- but much evidence to
suggest that they had a special communion with them. The Druids worshipped their gods and
did not believe they had rights to attempt to control or command the spirits of nature, but
rather, they believed it was best to work in harmony with them.
Druid magick stems from the findings of a strong and healthy awareness of nature and the
spirits and dieties who exist in nature, seen or unseen. A Druid must understand the
language that Nature ises to speak its wisdom. All else flows from that. Druid Magick has a
votive characteristic. The act of beseeching a diety, spirit, entity ot mystical being to
aid in the accomplishment of a service in return for an offering often results in Magick.
Druids often used trance-ecstasy to acheive and will their purpose as well, but in the myths
and legends, little attention is paid to summoning or controlling spirits and gods, instead,
the Druids sought communication and communion.
In all of these magics, the constant has been the use of a sole entity,
a synergy with the flow of nature, minor Advanced elemental
skills, and the use of nature to restore itself.
One part of their art was a communication with the spirits of nature.
The legends of creatures we now call mythological being, or
names drawn from that which some call "otherkin", stem from a much earlier time. Stories of
creatures that existed in the trees, in the waters, in the airs, and in or around many other
things can be traced back with ease to early Greek mythology if your looking at druid by way
of pagan ideals only.
This tradition of communicating with the fae and sprites has been
carried over into the realm of the Druid. Undine, sylph, dryad, pixie, sprite, faerie, and
other nature creatures are a natural part of the workings of many Druid's. Some creatures,
such as some of the types of dryad, are said to inhabit trees or lakes (depending on the
sort) and will aid the Druid to attune to their presence therfore protecting their
habitation. These creatures have been noted, throughout the ages, to speak to the Druid and
relate the tales of the forest, or to induce pleasant dreams while the Druid sleeps. Druids
are known to keep away trespassers from their beloved nature, to influence targets
designated by keepers of nature, to relay information to and from the animals, and to sooth
there general cares, more or less.
Also the in the realm of the nature the Driud/Shaman,has the desire to create a unity
of being with nature. Instead of working outside the bounds of
nature or attempting to use nature in the cosmic clash of wills, the Druid is adopted into
by a elder to fully understand the innermost mechanics of nature and become part of the
mystic workings within that system to their fullest capacity. Towards this end, the forces
of nature will naturally be attuned to the Driud/Shaman and will aid them, thus mirroring,
in a way, the sentiment expressed by King Solomon (?) in the Lemegeton when he said
"Magic,as the most Absolute, and most Divine Knowledge of Natural Philosophy, highest in its
works and wonderful operations of the inward and designed virtue of things; being applied
to proper Agents, Patients, strange and holy bought effects will thereby be produced. Whence
one are profound and diligent searchers they, because of their skill, know how to interact
with an effect, the which to the loathsome shall seem to be a heaven asked." This sentiment
-- of working inside the confines of the natural world yet appearing para-natural through a
more perfect understanding -- is at the very heart of the Druidic philosophy of magic and
the use of nature's energy.
Also tightly bound into this art is the use of the raw elemental powers. Elementalism in
philosophy, to a lesser extent, is a key to power in the Druidic theory. A common tie with
the natural powers allows the Druid to access the lesser Elemental effects insofar as their
aide the power of nature to run its course this was defind as the begining of "witchhood"
when they linked and then later added their ranks to the way of "witchcraft" for a time....
However, this is somewhat of a side-note in the larger scheme of things. Another lesser-
mentioned ability of the Druid is that of shapeshifting.
The last notable skill of the Druid/shaman is their ability to use the restorative and firm
properties of the nature energy to heal and renew to the end of the restoration of the
natural flow of things, or to end unnatural disruptions with 4 plants. This has been done,
in almost all traditions (though going by different names), by creating a Grove. The
creation of a central place in nature where the Druid/Shaman can work from, somewhat as a
centre of operations, is known for its ability to aid in physical rejuvenation and to once
again align the misformed energies that may be present in a body. It is an ability which
provides strengths for the creatures of nature at a Druid's command, which maintains a
balance, and which enables the normal way of things to resume. This grounding ability acts
as a canopy through which the magi may take comfort, shelter, and may restore their energies
once more. The eternal struggle between nature and chaos is one which continues, and at both
sides there are always contestants. Order and Anarchy are always at each other's heels, and
it is Nature that finds the balance between them.
Druidlore/Druid Magick Misconception
In Druidic lore, this power"Druid Magick" was even given a name: the Green Man. if
inscribing pagan, not druid. The Green Man is a male form of the same sentiment of Gaia, or
Mother Earth. The Green Man is a fokelore told only by "pagans" not the "spirit of nature"
itself, in a way, almost an entity, Druid's did tend to "control" nature and its mysteries.
If granted blessings by "the Green Man", or simply through their own adept skill in the
natural arts, some Druidic lore indicates that the ability to change into a wolf was
possible (this ability is known as "lycanthropy" and is more "pagan" story then "true
druid". It is not mentioned whether this ability is the actual physical modification of
body, or whether it is only taking on the mind of animals (usually more specifically a
wolf). Most assume it was a combination of the terror of enemies of the Druids combined with
the sight of their apparel (which would have been furs only in winter and late spring), but,
even if not actual lycanthropy, the art of Berserking and taking on "animal spirits" remains
even to this day. a norse idolism and later Shaman added working.
Here are some magickal concepts of the ancient Druids:
Aisling;A dream or a vision(from the sky, perhaps),possibly. Aisling refers to altered
states of consciousness.
Immram;A journey to the realms where the Gods live, possibly by Shamanic flight. Literally
Immram means"sea journey", for it is in the western ocean that the islands of otherworldly
paradises were said to be located.
Imbas;Inspiration,Poetic frenzy, the "fire in the head" that Amergin(said to have been the
first Druid)specks of and has been noted in many Bardic Tales, possibly, Imbas refers to
altered states of consciousness.
Echtra;"Adventure", expeditions and journeys that occur on a particularly sacred site. This
way of Magick often happens "accidentlly" or by chance to heroes, warriors, and hunters.
Draiocht;The word for Magick, Literally translated, it means "what Druids do" or what many
whom speak Gaelic use as the word for Druid, Druidism or Druidry.
Firinne;"Truth", or "Justice", the binding force of nature or the way of nature, Note the
significance of Truth and Justice being in the same word.
Huidecht;travelling through life(or death), Especially applied to journeys that go beyond
boundries and pierce the veil of reality in this earthy realm.
Tamhneal;trance, in general, in which visions would occur. This term could also be applied
to a stupor, fainting, unconsciousness, or even death. Usually induced by an herb or herbal
blend.
Cumhacht;power, authoruty, influence. This yerm is also used to describe the effect that a
Mighty One with great power would have upon those around him or her. This influence was also
ascribed to the effect that the Ogham<Ogam> consonants had upon one another when chanting
verses. The linking of one beginning word sound to another, modified the word endings and
changed(or "reshaped") the meanings and/or effect of the words themselves. From such an
association of likeness or similarity, comes the power of sounds, names, and incantations,
to effect the shape of reality.
Millteoracht; magickal attack, This term is often used in place of destruction, perversion,
spiolong or ruining. Such a technique would fit well with a "glam dichinn"(a poem of great
satire and magickal attack directed by seven grades of Filidh, usually upon a rival king and
his possessions).
Gabhlairdeall;"forked attention", division of consciousness, esp, during somhoill. This word
seems to be realted to the word"samailt". This double is provided with limited capabilities
to continue some Magickal actions, while the Druid is focusing his/her attention in another
area(or even another world). Such a technique is also useful for interactively communicating
between worlds.
Ngesadoirecht; sorcery, devination(especially concerning geasa or "magikal calling"). This
is generally associated with the time of Birth, the winds and the weather, and/or some
astrological event. Geis are generally taboos or interdictions against performing some
particular action, though they could also mean that a person has a duty or a "great work"
that they are destined to perform, Conare, Cormac, CuChulainn and Connla are just a few of
the Irish heroes that had geasa.
Sruth bhua; current or flow of bua(viul), This flow of Magickal Spiritual power is one of
the primary activating forces behind both Draiocht and Filidecht. A Druid might direct such
a stream to sustain a sheild of invisibility or to perform a Magickal flight. Sruth bhua is
both immediate and experiential. It is both the Knowledge and the experience.
Aithriocht;shape-shifting, actual not mealladh(vathdholb). This is what Lleu did when he was
pierced by the Magickal spear of Gronw Pebyr. He shapeshifted into an eagle to avoid death.
He was killed at an "in between place"(a doorway) and his life after death was in between
the branches of the Oak. It was in this state, that Gwydion found him and healed him. This
shapeshifting is not to be confused with taking on the inward characteristics or nature of a
totemic beast. It is a literal exchanging of bodies or a transformation of the delb. Fintan
did this as did Angus mac Og as well as many other Irish deities and mystical creatures.
Ortha; charm, physical not verbal, Bewitching charm, where Magickal power is used to alter
the properties of a potion, a food or an object. A blacksmith might well sing an Ortha to a
sword as he forges it, A witch might chant am Ortha to a healing potion or a herbal
ointment.
Upthaireacht; folk magick, This word is also said to equate to epaideacht, which is very
similar in meaning ro an "Ortha", Upthaireacht applies more toward metalwork and Ortha
applies more toward altering those things that are organic(herbs,milk products,potions,
etc).
Idircheo;area of overlapping liminality between an Domhan-so and an Saol Eile,(lit, between
-mist). The "in-between-place" was where most Celtic Magick was worked. This could be at the
edge of water, within a mist, at morning or sunset, during an eclipse, etc.....Acheiving a
state where one could exist in two worlds simultaineously, allowed the power of the Moghty
Ones and the Ancestors to be more easily used, This was sometimes called "walking the razor"
or "standing in the doorway" among Shaman.
Escaid;associated with the Moon and lunar periods. It also has connotations associated with
expectancy, exaltation, swiftness, as well as, cleansing, and the edges of bogs and streams,
associated with Moon Worship and Women's Mysteries.
Oibelteoiracht;the practice of religious contemplation, related to "work" and the discipline
of the "self".
Uinde;seeing, beholding. This term suggests visions and revelations that would accompany an
initiation rite or at times even a scrying.
Airbhe; an encircling "hedge" which protects those inside and may be crossed but with ill-
effect on whom does so. The Druid's would circumambulate a group whole chanting untill the
group had disappeared from sight. This is related to the power of the winds and the breath
(even the Druid's breath or the Dragon's breath). Within Celtic Society this was also tied
to general geasa, things that were strictly prohibited(like viloence on a Filidh). The term
could also be used to mean "under the protection of" with some generally horrible
consequence if the peace was violated. Such protections extended to each major aonach(Tara,
Caarman, Lughnasadh, Bealtaine, Samhain), and feast, as well.
Great book's to get in regards to Druid Magick and Wisdom/Power are..
Druid Magic: The Practice of Celtic Wisdom
by:Maya Magee Sutton & Nicholas Mann
Description:Perhaps the most mystical, magical people ever known were the Druids. They were
wizards, storytellers, teachers and spiritual leaders. They were attuned to the Earth and
the Sun. And they were very powerful. Wouldn''t it be amazing if you could be a Druid? Now
you can with the secrets revealed in Druid Magick. This book presents everything you need to
know to become a Druid and even start your own Druid "Grove" (the name of a Druid group).
You''ll learn about the Druid''s tools - the sickle, wand, cord and more - and how to make
and use them. You''ll discover all of the beliefs the Druids hold, including the emphasis on
honor and ethics. You''ll learn how a Druid sees the Divine in everything and how even sex
can be sacred. And of course you''ll learn the secrets of the magic of the Druids. You''ll
learn how to do protection spells and how to use magic to find missing items. You''ll learn
how you can visit other "worlds" or levels of reality. You''ll even learn how to do
shapeshifting and experience the world as an animal! Are you having a mental block? With
this book you''ll learn how to tap into the creativity that was a hallmark of the Druids.
You''ll be able to write, draw, write or perform music with much greater ease and depth than
ever before. Become a Druid can bring you all this and more! Druidry is far more than
historic Celtic leadership. It is a living, growing, spiritual tradition that can bring you
more self-assurance and self-development than you''ve ever had before. Jump out of the
ordinary! Try something new to bring that spark back into your life. Discover the secrets of
Druid Magic.
Druid Power: Celtic Faerie Craft & Elemental Magicby: Amber Wolfe
Description:Call forth dragons and feel the ancient songs of the Celts stirring in your
blood. Access the deep wisdom of the Druidic orders and reclaim the Elemental gifts of the
Otherworld. Become a spiritual warrior of the Celtic Craft-a Dragon-Rider. The dragon is a
symbolic representation of the alchemist's or magician's works of power. Druid Power
presents techniques for self-transformation through Celtic faerie craft and Elemental magic.
Rich with mythological information and psychological insight, this innovative guide bridges
ancient Celtic Druidic Tradition with modern transpersonal psychology. Reawaken your
connection to the magick of the natural world through traditional ceremonies, guided
journeys, and unique exercises that lead to a direct connection with the Elemental forces of
Nature. Experience the strength and purity of fire, the emotional alchemy of water, the
profound reality of earth, the awareness of air, and the transcendent mystery of spirit.
Enter the realm of myth where magick and the mundane blend. Druid Power is your guide to
finding your way to the Otherworld and back again-richer, wiser, healed, and whole.
