What is Druidry: Relationship and the Practice of Connection

In this first video for the Down the Forest Path video blog channel, Druid priest and author Joanna van der Hoeven discusses the heart of Druidry, the importance of relationship and how we can reconnect to the natural world.
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[@adambaggins]

I found your channel after reading your book The Awen Alone. You have such a beautiful way with words both written and verbal and I find it really moving. I'm so glad I found you, thank you. x

[@JuanMartinez-Mont1]

You perfectly describe that feeling that I can't name or define. I've known since child, but lost and forgotten, so much. You are a true teacher and a priestess.

[@k.eye.la_]

beautiful words and images, thank you

[@joanna_vanderhoeven]

You're welcome 😊

[@LavenderHazelwood]

Beautiful words. Thank you. -Aurora

[@happierabroad]

Btw Joanna, I love your voice. It's very soothing like your books are. I got some of your books on Amazon Kindle. They are very flowery. You got a gift for poetic flowery language. :)

[@joanna_vanderhoeven]

Glad you like them!

[@shaneycollins5713]

Loving your videos :)

[@happierabroad]

are you a member of OBOD or ADF? what do you think of OBOD's online school?

[@joanna_vanderhoeven]

I took the first two levels in the OBOD course - it's very good :) I also recommend the British Druid Order's online course too. Plus, we also have an Introduction to Druidry online course here at Druid College UK!

[@happierabroad]

Btw, what is that beautiful beach you are walking on in your videos? Is it open to the public? Where is it in the UK exactly? Can I book an affordable hotel near there? Is there a way to travel around the UK countryside cheaply via bus and stay in hostels or spartan 2 star hotels, as long as you aren't in London? Sorry for so many questions. I been wondering about these things for a long time.

[@joanna_vanderhoeven]

Hello! I live on the Suffolk Coast - there are lots of beaches along this coastline of the North Sea. I'd recommend looking at B&B's in Suffolk, for overnight stays. Buses aren't that great in this rural area, so you may have a hard time getting around.

[@hArtyTruffle]

What are those little statues behind you? They look an awful lot like my invisible childhood friend. I’ve been trying for so long to try to understand if he was a force for good or for bad or just mischievous and why he was visiting me.

[@joanna_vanderhoeven]

They are little stone "grotesques", often called gargoyles that we found at an antique shop a while back :) They watch over my little stone circle.

[@hArtyTruffle]

@@joanna_vanderhoeven Thanks Joanna, that’s good to know. If he was watching over me, I probably need to apologise to him. As I grew up, I came to believe he was demonic because of the way he looked and I told him to go away 🥴

[@happierabroad]

Btw Joanna, I was wondering, can I just show up in England and join a Druid group just like that? If so, how? Would I contact OBOD or ADF or which group? Also, would they accept me if I'm not white? If I was the only non-white person there, wouldn't I stick out like a sore thumb? I am Asian but I feel I had a past life as a Druid. I don't get why only white people are attracted to stuff like this. Druidry is very resonating. Do any Druids you know also feel they were a Druid in a past life?

[@joanna_vanderhoeven]

You probably wouldn't be able to join any Pagan group straight away - you would have to first see if you are compatible with them, and if they are compatible for you. It takes time to get to know people, so most people go to moots (usually held in pubs) to meet and talk with people, to find out the different groups in an area. Then time would be spent with a certain group, to see if you can work together. Cultural and racial backgrounds should have no bias whatsoever. Anyone of any ethnicity can be a part of any branch of Western Paganism.