By Liam Ballinagar

When you think of the word Druid, what comes to mind? A vision of a group of people encircling an altar of stone, the moon shining bright, a sacrifice of some sort upon the altar, chanting, and stoic looking faces…? Romanticism…all of it. Indeed, this is where we have received most of our “information” on druids, from the antiquated works of seventeenth century writers; and, culminated with the collected works of one William Stukeley. ‘Arch-Druid’ William Stukeley’s writings did so much to stimulate the minds of his readers that they were very interested in the manners and customs of the ‘cult’ of ‘Noble Savages’.

Even more irrelevant to the ongoing study of the early inhabitants of the British Isles is the work of James MacPherson; namely his Ossian in 1761. This publication aroused further curiosity of these early inhabitants, but does nothing to explain what could have possibly been the religious beliefs of the pagan Celts. One must dismiss the large body of writing that we have on the origins of the Druids. A study such as this requires much more evidence than what is currently known on the Celtic Priesthood. And even that which we do know collapses under careful scrutiny.

Druidism is not a religion, per say. It is a philosophy, much like Buddhism. Just as with the Basis of Being, one can be a Christian or Muslim, Pagan or a Jew and count yourself a Druid. That means that one can be a Druid and still follow the Basis of Being. There is a difference in Modern and Ancient Druidry, though. Whereas, the modern druids may try to reconstruct the old ways using new methods, they work directly with the spirits of a place; the gods and their ancestors to create a “new” Druidism.

Ancient Druidism, consisted of three separate specialties, all concerned with the day-to-day activity of an ancient druidic civilization. Bards were “the keepers of tradition” – they told the stories and legends of the druid tribes. Ovates, worked with the processes of death and regeneration, divination, and ‘conversing with the dead’; the first true definition of Necromancers, if you will. The Druids (and Druidesses) were the professional classes in Celtic society. They were the teachers, the scientists, the poets, the artisans, the astrologers, theologians, philosophers, musicians, and scientists – the upper crust of Druidic Society.

But, one may ask, where all the lore is…? Where are the teachings and the writings? Ancient Druidism was an oral tradition; there were nothing set in stone, or written on the pages of a book. It was all passed by word of mouth; mother to daughter and father to son. As a result, the recorded history of the Druids is lost in the history of the world. There is not much to go on in any codified manner. Some history and writings have survived, but within Druidic circles, the old traditions live on – at least the ones who know…

Modern Druids attempt to stir up the old paths, but the actual history is very sketchy, indeed. Most of the time, the Modern Druid is only going on what he ‘believes’ is the proper path. There are some things, though, that a Druid is not… A druid is not a male priest in the Wiccan Religion. It is possible and highly probably that female druids exist. Druids are not witches. Witches worship the Earth Mother, an entity both male and female. Druids on the other hand see the earth as a whole; earth, sky, and sea.

They worship many gods and goddesses, but some believe in a single, divine culmination of all creation; a singular force that is neither male nor female, has no corporeal form and is more powerful than all the energy in the universe and beyond. So, it is hard to place a belief system on Druidism – it’s more of a way of life; something to be perfected on a long journey. Druidism and the Basis of Being are two life philosophies that are very much alike; both seeking the best path in life and to find the truth in all that we are and can be…

The Basis Of Being supports all beliefs that lead to a prosperous and peaceful lifelong pursuit of happiness for not only ourselves, but those around us.

What is the Basis of Being?

The Basis Of Being is a groundbreaking book broken down into 13 Chapters of 28 Maxims each. Written by Liam Ballinagar & Gamble Leidolf; edited by Corine San Crainte, this wonderful pocket sized guide will change your life forever. With 364 Pearls of Wisdom, you can make but one alteration a day and by the end of 12 months, you might not recognize yourself. But of course your good deeds will have been rewarded and come back to you tenfold. Thank you for considering the Basis Of Being. If you are ready for the Future: CLICK HERE