Many centuries ago, Celtic pagans enjoyed a special connection with the earth, sky, and sea. They found meaning, harmony, and balance in the rhythms of nature. Their Bards told ancient, mythical stories about goddesses, gods, and the fae. And it is within those stories that the Celts found deep spiritual truths that brought joy to their lives. Their Ovates used divination through methods such as casting ogham sticks in order to gain divine wisdom and insight that would help them tackle life’s challenges. And the Druids were their priestesses and priests, their tribe leaders, and great philosophers.

Today we are seeing a revival of Druidry in Celtic lands and also throughout the entire world. In today’s technological age it might seem odd that a nature-based spirituality like Druidry would see such a revival. But it is exactly for this reason that many are reaching out with a desire to connect with nature, with the earth, sea, and sky. While we appreciate the wonders that today’s modern technology has provided us, it can often make us feel isolated and lonely. Today those who embrace Druidry often do so because they hear the wisdom of the trees beckoning to them. They feel the warmth of the sun and sense the mystery of the moon. And they respect the rhythm of life they sense within the squirrel, the turtle, the stones, and the trees.

Modern Druids are often animists, meaning we recognize the life force, the nwyfre (pronounced nuh-wee-fra), within all animals and plants, as well as “inanimate objects” such as stones. Many connect with goddesses such as Ceridwen, the goddess of the cauldron of transformation. And with gods such as Cernunos, the horned god of the wild forest. Some might take a more pantheist or atheist approach to deity. But regardless of this, we all seek to drink deeply of the awen (mystical brew of inspiration and ecstasy) that we experience in our spiritual practice.

Many of us chose to connect with Druid orders where we find courses of study, books, and a connection with other Druids. Some of these are the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD), the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA), or the Reformed Druids of North America (RDNA). But also many choose to practice Hedge Druidry, which means they prefer to practice independently from organized groups. Many modern Druids practice with an eclectic group such as our Northern Tier Pagans. 

Today, you might find Druids experiencing and expressing their spirituality through various methods including prayer, chanting, working with tarot cards, collecting rocks and crystals, talking to their cat, hugging a tree, camping, bike-riding, and going for long walks in the woods. Being a modern Druid is a way to experience and connect with the world around us in deeply meaningful and spiritual ways that resonate with the soul.