A look at who the Druids were from ancient times to present day.
Druidism is one of the world's most misunderstood religions. The word Druid means Wise (or True) Oak. Although stories abound of Druids sacrificing animals and people, Druids were the first true environmentalists and viewed natural life as sacred.
The history of Druidism predates the time of Christ. Druids inhabited the Celtic Isles. The wisdom of the Druids was passed down orally, very little is written except in the ancient tree alphabet known as Ogham. Druids studied Astronomy, Philosophy, Poetry and Music. Druids existed in two groups: Bards, who studied great volumes of words and music (as today the Celtic people are notorious for being loquacious) and Ovates, who studied philosophy and forms of divination (telling the future). They were held in high esteem and were called upon by rulers and peasants alike to cast a spell to save the crops or heal a sick child.
Druids believe in the study of physical life and the "underworld". They believe in reincarnation and magic. Owning few possessions, Druids represented spiritual values, much against the materialistic values of ancient times.
This way of life appeared very threatening to Julius Caesar, whose political ambition was to conquer by any means. Therefore when the British Isles was invaded, many Druids were killed or forced to convert to Christianity (which in the first several years A.D. was becoming the only religion tolerated). Caesar justified his actions by reporting that the Druids engaged in bloodthirsty practices (such as demonstrated in the movie "The Wicker Man" where people and animals were reportedly burned alive and sacrificed). Although the sacrifice rumors have to this day not been proved or disproved, it is unlikely that Caeser's report was unbiased. The Druids that did survive went underground and their practices were more secretive than ever, but still they survived. No longer allowed to practice in the village, they took to the most secluded areas to practice their craft. They became the villains and Christians the victors, as depicted in the face off of the Druids and St. Patrick in Ireland.
The Pagan holidays were not destroyed but became incorporated with Christian holy days, as they still co-exist today. Pagan gods and goddesses had "acceptable" counterparts in Christian Saints. In the "Wheel of the Year" the pagan holiday Imbolc, (February 2nd) the feast day of the goddess Bride or St. Bridget, is later celebrated in the month as St. Valentine's Day. The Winter Solstice is also celebrated as the birth of Christ as Christmas. Ostara, named after the goddess Isthar has become Easter, which is when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ and, of course, Samhain, when the pagans honor the dead is very much a part of the secular culture as Halloween and the Catholic Church as All Saint's Day.
The 20th century has found a rebirth of Paganism, Wicca and the study of Druidry. The most popular group in England is the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, where one can still study for years to attain the levels in much the same fashion as in ancient times (however aided by auto transport to secret groves and computer messaging to relay wisdom). Druidism is in line with our environmental concerns and far removed from any suspicions of animal or human sacrifice, many Druids are vegetarians. Modern day Druids are growing in numbers and are dedicated to preserving the ways of old to provide wisdom for modern times.
