What is Druidry?

[@ImFreakingEpic]

This helped me a lot because I was having trouble putting a name to my beliefs

[@JohnMartens]

one thing I remember being a stumbling block in my explorations in druidry in the last 12 years is that there is (unfortunately) so much more information available on Druids in the gaming World (ie of Warcraft). Part of the search means having to work your way through the pop-culture weeds. Once four or five years ago, I even inadvertently subscribed to a podcast about druids, only to realize several minutes into the show that it was a podcast dedicated to the druids in the aforementioned game! Ah, the quest for knowledge! :)

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

+John The Verbose lol I've had the same problem! On youtube, there are so few of us Druids making videos that most of the search results are for World of Warcraft. It's nice that there are more videos on Druidry/Spirituality now. My searches are much more productive!

[@adambaggins]

I hear you. I've had exactly the same issue. The tons of Dungeons and dragons, Warcraft and fantasy fiction novels really are an obstacle to get to the relevant stuff. I think it's also the reason why discuss druidry with the general public often gains you a few raised eyebrows, as it's now heavily associated with fantasy.

[@stephenperry779]

Well put. I sometimes say druidry is the Zen branch of paganism or its all about connections, but yes it is so hard to put your finger on and yet so easy to understand if you are a druid. Which I am. Thank you and blessed be :)

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

+Stephen Perry I love calling it the zen branch of paganism! Have you explored much of Zen Druidry? Joanna Van Derhoeven writes a bunch about it.

[@stephenperry779]

Danni Niles​ I've read some of Van Derhoeven's work and found it consolidated quite a few of the connections I had seen between the two paths before I had even discovered her. Definitely that thread of constant awareness and being present in both yourself and the moment. I guess I could say my path is pagan but the way I walk it is zen

[@TehTeh911]

Only three minutes in and so many things I never had words for have been explained so beautifully

[@adambaggins]

Honestly Danni, your words really spoke to me. I think too many people, particularly today, are caught up in themselves, never happy with what they have, take life for granted and always want more. Or they want some higher purpose for themselves that borders on delusions of grandeur. I love the feeling that this big beautiful cycle, that we're lucky to be a part of, IS our purpose in life and that THIS is what we should be treasuring and holding dear. I love feeling that there's nothing wrong with that. X

[@tanguerafeliz5096]

Wow, the way you started this video and what you said in the first several sentences really captured the essence for me. Thank you for making this.

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

Thank you for watching! It's nice to see this online grove flourish.

[@carlmarx7855]

I knew that I was a pagan but now I know that I want to go down the path of druidry

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

I hope the journey proves fruitful for you! Enjoy!

[@sam6030]

It's fantastic to watch some of these older videos and look at how far you've come. It would be cool if you revisited some of these older videos and created a miniseries expanding upon their concepts more.

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

Ambitious but fantastic idea!

[@Rowan_Waters]

I am a novice in Druidry. And recently I started college , in my world religions class they asked us to make a presentation of our favorite world religion. I've chosen to do it on Druidry. Yet my project asked for the founder and date of when it started. So I am researching all I can.

[@ALatteThoughts]

sounds beautiful. also sounds open. I like that. I cant really belong to just one religion.

[@hollysukulelemunford2432]

OBOD opens up a balance to EARTHLY ENERGY and spiritual love from JEHOVAH BLESSING TO YOU

[@butlerbot1173]

oh my thank you ive been a follower of druidry for a long time and I almost never am able to trust that someone is a true druid when they say they are but when someone is able to explain our way I can trust and accept them as a true brother or sister

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

Oh, thank you for such kind words!

[@maxlindqvist736]

Great explanation of your view on druidry, Danni! The only thing I thought was missing is the connection to the whole. We are all one big life force in this world and the other. When we die our souls are the pure form of this life force and we see all clear.

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

For me, language like that is more about Deity than Druidry. Druids have different ideas about Deity, which is wonderful but not helpful when trying to figure out what is or isn't Druidry. Do Druids have a connection to Deity in some form? Most do. Do Druids explain or discuss Deity in the same way? Most don't. lol Lovely description that you write about, though!

[@dianegallagher4141]

As a neophyte Druid, I would love to hear about how you came to druidry and what your initial learning curve was like.

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

I was raised in a very Irish, Catholic family. Even though there was a lot of grace in that experience, the Catholic church failed to accurately explain MY relationship with the Universe and Deity. So, I went off to explore other paths and through insight from my older, Wiccan sister I looked into Paganism. Druidry was a wonderful framework to explain the experiences I'd already had and offer the most growth. I read A TON of books and started practicing on my own. When I had a full time job and more time on my own, I decided to join OBOD. That's the brief answer, but I probably should have a good video here explaining that. Thanks for that suggestion!

[@hollysukulelemunford2432]

Meditation and family MUSIC

[@micomarinas2753]

what is the difference of druidy compare to wiccan and witches?

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

That's a whole other video really, and has been done by others on KZbin. Generally, Wicca is a set of Pagan practices and beliefs. Some of those beliefs are similar to Druidry, for instance a focus on nature reverence but others are different. Druidry doesn't have a set belief about Deity but Wicca does. Wiches might be those who practice witchcraft but not necessarily. I'd suggest further reading really to cover this broad topic.

[@micomarinas2753]

thanks for the reply and information. im from the philippines.

[@JuanMartinez-Mont1]

Terror and pain, that too...well said. No sugarcoating about life.

[@happierabroad]

Do Druids do animal sacrifices and if so how often and what percentage of them do it and why?

[@helenwood8482]

No, we do not. It has no value.

[@jayashinaparthiban1209]

Oh my god, now I wanna be a druid as well!

[@foliagehooked8269]

Hey Danni thanks for the help

[@happierabroad]

Are there any American Druid orders? Is there an online directory where you can find out?

[@amandarose9943]

Wow... this sounds like me! Thanks so much for this video

[@amandarose9943]

+NewEnglandWitch xo great advice and thank you for all of the resources :) I will be coming to you with lots of questions !

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

+NewEnglandWitch xo Fabulous! I'm glad the video inspired some exploration :)

[@meko_oyasi]

That's beautiful, thank you :)

[@avenreir]

I found interest in Druidry and Druids from A game, I feel stupid and uncommitted for saying that but it's true, and now that it has been thrown out into the air by my family I'm trying to learn to practice it.

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

There is no reason for you to feel stupid or uncommitted just because you found inspiration from a game for starting to explore Druidry. We find connection and meaning in many different places. It doesn't matter where that comes from if the result is one of peace, understanding, wisdom, and connection. Hopefully, your family will come around once they see what Druidry brings to your life. Then again this might also be just the first step in a whole different spiritual path! :) It is what you make of it. You might also find the videos on the collab channel "Pagan Perspective" from last week about Pop Culture Pantheons to be of interest to you.

[@tonyperone3242]

For people who are intrigued by Druidry your video is quite short. Enjoyed it and thanks.

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

Thanks! I have a short attention span for videos and thus try to make my videos concise and enjoyable enough that people don't have to set aside an entire morning to delve into my stuff and find out about Druidry. :)

[@rhydianstephens379]

would the dynion Mwyn be a Grove?

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

I would say that Dynion Mwyn is a different tradition, not just a sub group or grove of Druidry. Obviously, it uses many similar ideas and practices that Druidry does, but it endeavors to be it's own path IMO.

[@rhydianstephens379]

ah i see thank you very much, looking for a Grove to learn off lol

[@LodiSanta]

Hey Danni. Just passed my bardic grade. On one of your videos you said that you had your Gwersi bound, I was wondering where you got that done. Blessings!!

[@Lunathemoonn]

hello i have a question about trad witchcraft. is it part of the celtic magic or all are they very diffrent paths

[@Lunathemoonn]

and do you have any information about bendruids

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

Yes and No. There are many Druids who practice magic (like myself) and witchcraft. It's a separate tool and set of practices from Druidry that can easily be incorporated into the path but doesn't have to be. Celtic Magic, IMO, is a specific set of practices that come from Celtic folklore, myths, and cultural traditions. Again, can be a part of Druidry but doesn't have to be. You are in luck, though, I've got a whole series on Magic and witchcraft that will go live next week!

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

I don't have any information about bendruids; I haven't heard the term used outside of War of Warcraft (which I don't play). If you know more, let me know. I'm always curious about new ideas!

[@Lunathemoonn]

I heard them from my friend. Only know what he tell me about them. Bendruids are special 9 women chose from when they little, like about 9 years olds. Only the naturally has special talents ones. The one are can t complate training killed by their teachers. This 9 witches are has their own sister hood like a cult. They are like top of the normal druids but not wise or top of the 3 special priestesses and not directly connet like them with gods and goddesses. This is all i know about them. Trying to getting more information but can t find any more. If you or any of your friends could help me i would be very thankfull for the help.

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

Interesting! If I hear or learn anything I def pass it on!

[@hipphipphippy4506]

so happy that i found this video :D

[@christophermcgirr1381]

What are the rituals like? And are they different for each grade?

[@stevedouglas3125]

How do I get training for the druid course?

[@lauralcochard]

Hi Danny! I love your videos, they are being pretty useful to me, I purchased two books thanks to your recommendations. I was looking for you on facebook, but couldn't find you, so I'm guessing you prefer to not be disturbed, although I would love to talk someday :) Thanks for all your videos!

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

Sorry, but I do keep facebook for people I know IRL. However, feel free to message me here on youtube or engage on instagram with me @esotericmoment. I'd love to know which books you purchased. Are you enjoying them? Thanks for the lovely comment!

[@melaniechiriacescu7876]

I’d just be curious to know where you are from. In another video you said international email was a bit of a struggle for OBOD. As an Irish person I’m concerned about this

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

No problem with international EMAIL just a few occasional issues with the POST. In all of my courses, only had an issue twice. That's over 36 months being just fine.

[@melaniechiriacescu7876]

Danni Lang oh that’s not too bad then :)

[@1234vedas]

Druidry, to me, from the way you explain,is a way of life where you try to balance it with the natural world. it is a way,for me, to remember mother earth and mother nature as Mother Goddess and to be truthful children to her laws.Thus, in the Druid way of life, you become one with the flow of the world around. i would life to see it as Druidry giving a beautiful river of life flowing smoothly,of which you are a stream or, a atleast a drop. in hinduism, we call this as "ritha"-the natural tendency flow, or motion of events that provide peace and prosperity to all.everyone is a part of that flow and move according to it.the perfect working of the world around and your interaction with it must be a stream flowing smoothly along with the river of Life. the Gods are reflections/manifestations o those principles of Godhead that lead one's life peacefully and wisely with this earthly life and in he journey of the soul beyond. Namasthe!May the blessings of Mother Goddess, and all the Gods and Goddesses be with you.!

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

What a lovely understanding you have! Thank you so much for sharing this. A beautiful river flowing is a beautiful metaphor for Druidry.

[@1234vedas]

Danni Niles thanks. what makes me really happy is that you have chosen to follow the pathways of your ancestors who followed this beautiful way of life. do you have an organisation where you could meet up with other Druids, or a common place of worship?

[@greener336]

Happy Alban Elfed

[@victorrobinson2109]

Thank you ever so much !

[@chrisvillarreal3978]

Hi, question. 8 minutes new to this....idea. very green. so, is it fair to say that relativism prevails in druidry? ethics and morals can be flexible to the age they are relative to? the spirit realm can exist Gods, gods, demi-gods, no gods, atheism? does anything bring enlightenment without judgement? Right and wrong is a perception of natural balance in the earth? thanks

[@garyhiles5564]

Great info.

[@annarc3787]

Hi Danni! Thank you so much for your videos, they are always very informative! I’m studying on the bardic grade and I enrolled in both online and paper. I was wondering, how long did it take for you to receive the paper material? I’m in California and it’s been 3 weeks now. I don’t mind because I’m still able to study online, but I’m starting to think that maybe my mail got lost. Would you suggest to contact them?

[@pelorix4969]

What would your response be to someone who claims you can't be a "true" druid given the large time gap on history between now and the time of the historical ancient druids? I'm just curious as I have a tendency to cling to tradition. A flaw sometimes haha. Also I am a member of OBOD bardic grade currently. Cool to see a fellow druid making such an insightful video!

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

YASSS! This question! Ok, I have a strong opinion about this which not everyone will find to their taste. I think Druidry has a rich history. I don't think Druidry only belongs in our history. It is an evolving and growing path that has been adapted to fit the needs and practices of modern people. We can love and respect the lessons of our history but have just as much "right" to be our own unique modern interpretations of Druids. So I think we can be "true" druids. But my bias is strongly tilted away from reconstructionism. It isn't something that resonates for me but it does bring a lot of value to other folks!

[@pelorix4969]

Awesome! I tend to agree. Always interested to hear other's opinions. Thanks for the reply and the video!

[@scotthogan8483]

Phillip Leimbacher - I would tend to relate to the neoclassical Druidry revival, which began in the 18th century. The claim of an unbroken chain to druids of classical antiquity is too controversial for most, even within the Druid community. I'd say modern Druidry has a rich culture, history, heritage and tradition in its own right. You can reverse the conversation and ask how does this person relate to their own religious, ethnic, or national identity, and what gives them the power to identify themselves as such? I believe it is a responsibility of taking on the name of such a noble class to empower others to really think for themselves. Blessings.

[@cernugaming]

OBOD 😂

[@pelorix4969]

@@cernugaming can I help you?

[@thejudge1977]

What does this have in common with historical Druidry?

[@Sukerkin]

Hard to say. There is a good deal of thought gone into that very avenue of research but little hard evidence. The spiritual and underlying societal soil for modern druidry is the same as those of historical times but, of course, it is no longer the dominant and very influential Order it was in past millennia.

[@melanielawrence7726]

How are you different from the tradition of Faerie Wicca?

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

Druidry doesn't have the a set perspective on Deity, but is often more animism based. Most Druids work with the shadow self in a very different way as well. The inner grove is a different flavor of similar practices in Faerie, but still unique. The organization of IRL groups is often different depending on the grove.

[@planetantonio7369]

oh sh*t, this lady knows what she's talking about!

[@tf2kishi826]

Is atheistic druidry a thing?

[@helenwood8482]

Yes.

[@craigburns5016]

Is this neo druidry?

[@briararar1754]

Craig Burns yeah

[@fishman421]

there is another American order called Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA)

[@PleiadianDreams]

~ Thanks for the Info ~

[@Meike164]

Today I found out that I might be a druid... humans are part of nature, ive always seen humans like that.

[@zeus-mt7wx]

So if so implanted in nature at 1 nature what happened. Also to practice drudry comes with a price ???? To me no different from any other religion.

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

I'm not sure what you mean by the first part. But I say in the video that you can practice Druidry on your own for "free". That's a great choice for many. Or you can pay a "fee" and join an order. Both are valid. Druidry is my religion. I'm not using it to escape from something else. I'm using it to deepen my connection. But to each their own! 😀

[@marcodalifultano9457]

Hi... I’m an American middle class lesbian.. how do I get to Stoneyhenge ?

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

Thanks for introducing yourself ;) I always appreciate comments and engagement on my videos.

[@stephen33]

1:44 The main principal about being a druid is being a social justice warrior? Why do people always have to bring their politics into everything?

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

The main point is not about being a SJW, the main point is active connection. I bring politics into everything because we all live within systems. Politics are one way we engage within those systems. Some of us just do it more willingly than others. Since my beliefs are important to me they help dictate how/why/when I interact within the systems I live under.

[@stephen33]

@@DanniEsotericMoment Neo druid. You are not a druid.

[@andruid5054]

@@stephen33nearly all Druids today class themselves as neo Druids as nobody really knows what they got upto back in the mists of time,but we just drop the Neo bit as it's easier,As for the social justice bit that is just part of being of service to your community,standing up for what you believe to be right and for others,I am a Druid and I'm prepared to strike first if I or someone I know feels threatened. So really there was no need for mentioning the Neo Druid bit,as it just showed the sort of person you are than what Danni is

[@stephen33]

@@andruid5054 whatever snowflake

[@andruid5054]

@@stephen33 lol,yet further evidence to the sort of person you appear to be ,your comeback is name calling?😂😂😂😂😂

[@danamarie1891]

thanks (: much love

[@danamarie1891]

would you do a video explaining Zen Druidry?

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

Zen Druidry isn't something I practice myself although I can see the threads of Zen in Druidry pretty strongly. I would suggest that you investigate Joanna Van Derhoeven. She has a channel on youtube and a lovely blog, not to mention some great books!

[@danamarie1891]

Thanks very much(:

[@robgau2501]

The thing that I just can't get past is the overwhelming lack of information about the Druids. I mean, you basically have to make it all up. This is not trolling btw. My moniker about Jesus is just a dungeons and dragons joke.

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

Many folks feel that way about lots of religious practices. So, I can see your point. If an unbroken tradition is what you need, then Druidry isn't a good fit. But there is a lot to be gained from the history that we do know.

[@hollysukulelemunford2432]

Hi DANNI AND EVERYONE! UKULELE HOLLY BLOE OBOD BARD VIRGINIA USA! MUSICIAN; RECOMMENDED! COLLEGE CLASS GREAT! YES KIND FOLKS!

[@Shaman_Ray]

Druids much like the Shaman, have no lineage.

[@SchizoidPersonoid]

Please stop calling yourselves druids. The druids were all killed or converted by Christians centuries ago. They were not mere mystics and occultists. They were the priestly caste of the Celtic people akin to the Vedic Brahman. They were physicians, judges, lore keepers, astronomers, philosophers, and advisors to kings. It took 20 years of rigorous study under the instruction of other druids to become a druid. You are not a druid.

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

I think you might find my more recent video, "Why I'm not a Historical Druid" useful. I address this there.

[@bvshenoy7259]

Danni Lang, Dave9k, The Druids / Celts followed Vedic practices like idol worship, worship of multiple gods, food offerings in worship, philosophy of non destruction of soul, belief in rebirth after death, worship of ancestors, etc. Julius Caesar, while describing them, mentions that they were experts in Religion, Philosophy and Astronomy, and they were doing research in, debating and interpreting, those fields. This is similar to the way,Upanishads the ancient Hindu scriptures were formed through debates, discussions and interpretation of Vedas. The Druids chanted something similar to Vedas. Vedas were not written, but orally transmitted. Similarly the Druids did not keep a written record of the chanting. They did not read out from books. Those who chanted Vedas were under strict regulations and disciplines; the Druids also followed strict codes of conduct. Like this, the Druids can be compared to Brahmins in Vedic tradition in many ways. One of the hallmarks of Celtic culture is the use of the sacred Ogham (pronounced Oh-wum) alphabet by the Druids, who are Celtic Brahmins. Many scholars believe that Ogham was only used by the Irish, and not by other Celts. However, this is clearly disproved by many Ogham inscriptions appearing in different places, including France, Iberia (Spain and Portugal), the Danube valley, and the Tocharian regions.

[@SchizoidPersonoid]

@@bvshenoy7259 Yeah, I've read Julius Caesar et al's Celtic Heroic Age. I wouldn't say that the Druids practiced Vedism per se though. Rather the Druids and Vedics both followed similar traditions that originated from the same older tradition. The Norse/Germanic and Greco-Roman pre-Christian religions also shared this common source. I would say that the Greco-Roman tradition was furthest removed from the primordial tradition as they were influenced by neighboring Semitic cultures even while the Semites were still practicing polytheism.

[@cernugaming]

Druids are clearly not extinct because i exist.

[@andruid5054]

sorry ,but as im a Druid,yes we do exist,maybe not in the classic version,but we are here and it is gaining in popularity,we know what they were historically,we dont need you trying to tell us something we all know already,you may enjoy trying to score points,but please take a chill pill baby and relax a little

[@michaelbaker9046]

An eight minute, thirty four second way of saying "I don't know, but I want to sound edgy."

[@DanniEsotericMoment]

HAHAHA you are def the first person to say I'm trying to sound "edgy". I'm about as far away from edgy as a person can get. lol