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I am presenting this text as I received
it, except for formatting, very mild editing, and a few [bracketed
comments]. So readers should not assume that the level of scholarship
in this is of the same standard as that elsewhere on this site.
To put it more bluntly, this text is filled with historical,
logical, and polytheological errors! You may wish to consult
my essay, A Very Brief History of Mesopagan
Druidism, for historical context.
Much has been said orally and much has been
written concerning the history, legend, custom and lore of Druidism
and we still find that many have no conception of the make up
of the Druidic Fraternity. It will be the design of this pamphlet
to explain the story behind our present day fraternity, historical
background and the aims and purposes of Druidism. Druidism
as a Way of Life is explained in the articles below. I
hope and trust that each of you will read this pamphlet to the
end and that everyone will be conversant with Druidism and its
many ramifications. Modern Druidism is conceived out of the Fellowship
of our forebearers and dedicated to the highest principles of
moral virtues. For generations the Druids have been carrying
on a program of Constructive Service and Usefulness to
each other, to the home, to the community in which we live and
to mankind as a whole.
The Druidic philosophy inculcates the recognition
of:
- Belief in the Supreme Power of the Universe.
- Immortality of the Soul.
- Dignity of the individual man and woman.
- Respect for the rights of others.
- Development of the mental faculties.
- Development of the finer sensibilities of
the heart.
- Mutual Protection.
- Development of the Social Virtues
- Americanism .
- Brotherhood.
History
It was not until the 17th century that the
teachings of the Druids were adopted to modern usage when a ritual
based upon their moral and fraternal philosophy resulted in a
Grove (Lodge) being organized in London, England, in 1771. Since
that time modern Druidism has had continued existence all over
the world. In 1771, a gentleman named Henry Hurle at a meeting
in London, England, seeing the necessity of a harmonious Brotherhood
of man, announced: “It appears to be that society lacks
good fellowship, hilarity and brotherly love.” He also spoke
of the Druids and said “they were of old men who undertook
to enlighten the people of their day and who introduced among
the ancient Britons the useful and polite arts, and these were
the Druids. My proposition is that we form a society for social
feeling and we assume the title of those learned men (The Druids),
and that we will adopt the endearing name of brothers, universally
amongst us.” The wish and the intention of those men was
to enlighten the mind, promote harmony, encourage temperance,
energy, and virtue. Thus modern Druidism was born.
Druidism in the United States
The first Grove of Druids was instituted in
the City of New York in 1830. Gradually the Order branched out
in different parts of the States. In 1858, California Grove No.
1 was instituted at old Hangtown (now known as Placerville) under
the leadership of the founder of California Druidism. P.N.G.A.
[Past National Grand Arch] Frederick Sieg California Grove [No.
1] of Druids is active today and a Druidic monument honoring
P.N.G.A. Frederick Sieg adorns the main street of Placerville.
The Druids of today confine themselves to
the moral, fraternal, patriotic and benevolent philosophy exemplified
by the Druids of old. Their teachings and principles are derived
from ancient Druidism, founded on reason and sound morality.
The greatest of all Druidic teachers was Merlin, and his Seven
Precepts are considered as a moral way of life, the finest oral
virtues ever laid down for the guidance of man. These Seven
Precepts of Merlin have been observed down through the ages
by all Druids.
The Seven Precepts Of Merlin
First: Labor
diligently to acquire knowledge, for it is power.
Second: When
in authority, decide reasonably, for thine authority may cease.
Third: Bear
with fortitude the ills of life, remembering that no mortal sorrow
is perpetual.
Fourth: Love
virtue-for it bringeth peace.
Fifth: Abhor
vice-for it bringeth evil upon all.
Sixth: Obey
those in authority in all just things, that virtue may be exalted.
Seventh: Cultivate
the social virtues, so shalt thou be beloved by all men.
Branches of the Order
In California and Nevada the Druidic family
is composed of three separate bodies: Groves, being the Brotherhood,
Circles, known as the Sisterhood, and the Chapters. known as
the Sir Knights and the Fun Branch. A member of the brotherhood
branch can in due time join the sisterhood. However, a member
of the sisterhood cannot join the brotherhood branch. Both members
of the brotherhood and the sisterhood are eligible to join the
Chapter branch, however membership in the Chapter branch is limited
to brothers and sisters who are Officers of the Grove or Circle
or Past Officers. All three branches of the Druidic Fraternity
are rooted in antiquity and each branch has its own moral precepts.
The guiding virtues of the Circle Branch are:
The Seven Star Points:
- Honor
- Truth
- Justice
- Faith
- Hope
- Love
- Benevolence
The principles of virtue of the Chapter Branch
are:
- Equity
- Integrity
- Obedience
The Druidic Units, brotherhoods, are called
Groves (Lodges in honor and memory of the custom of the Ancient
Brethren who lit their altar fires in the forest groves). In
these grove edifices, the tops were never covered and the Ancient
Druids used the sky or heaven as their roof. The Druids belonged
to all humanity, non-sectarian.
The motto of the Druids the world over is
“United To Assist.” The aim of the Druids is
Unity, Peace and Concord.
Ancient Druidism
However, the Order of Druids is ageless, having
existence in the dim mists of antiquity. The Druidic Order is
perhaps the oldest fraternal organization in the world. The first
traces of Druidism dates 6000 years before the birth of Christ
or the Christian Era and far beyond the scope of written history.
There seems to be no time era when evidences of their ancient
existence cannot be found.
Students of antiquity find in the ancient
ruins evidence in stone of that which we today call Druidism.
That which marks them as Druidic is the pattern in which these
stones are laid which show that their builders used certain stars
and the sun as points of reference. Such monuments are found
in Europe, Asia, South America and the United States. Everyone
connects the ancient Druids with the British Isles. However,
history reveals that the British Isles were only the last great
stronghold of the brotherhood, particularly in Ireland and Wales.
They also were numerous in Brittany and Normandy in France, where
their monuments are still to be seen covering acres of land in
geometric formation.
The members of the Ancient Brotherhood of
Druids were the most learned men of their time. They were the
physicians, astronomers, mathematicians, musicians, poets, philosophers,
legislators and judges of the people as well as their educators
in the matter of religion and learning. They were held in such
esteem that the Kings sent their sons to be educated by them.
In the matters of learning and government their authority was
absolute.
Because of their intellect the Druids were
feared by the Romans. Julius Caesar found the Druids in the way
when he attempted to subdue the Britons. He nearly exterminated
them, and wrote concerning them. Augustus Caesar followed and
succeeded in driving their remnants to a little island called
Mona, now called Aglesey.
The Ancient Druids were marvels of intellectual
grasp, profound thought and clear expression. The ancient records,
as handed down, throw an illuminating light on the character
and customs of our forefathers. When Caesar invaded Britain,
55 B.C., Druidism was the prevailing philosophy. Its cardinal
points were “Belief in Supreme Power of the Universe,”
and “Belief in the Immortality of the Soul.” In the
Ancient Druidic state the Druid was teacher of truth and the
dispenser of justice. As teachers they taught that the light
of intelligence destroys the darkness of superstition and ignorance,
hence the first precept of Merlin, the great Druidic teacher,
“Labor diligently to acquire knowledge for it is power.”
The Druidic Order is firmly established in
all countries and it is the only fraternal order that has an
International Grand Lodge which meets with an International Password
[may not be true anymore].
The torch atop the Frederick Sieg Memorial
Monument represents Knowledge as light dispelling the darkness
of ignorance and superstition. It also represents Liberty and
signifies good works. The Torch calls for the love and the practice
of Truth, Justice and Righteousness. A like aspiration
on the part of the individuals and nations would bring a lasting
brotherhood, the Druids were ministers of Peace.
As Druids, we acclaim and support all attempts
by every society to teach and inculcate, principles of friendship
and brotherly love.
Again it is repeated Druidism believes and
teaches good citizenship. The Druids are nonsectarian and non-political.
The Druids permit no questions of a religious or political nature
to be brought into the Grove. No discussion of individuals or
families are tolerated. We feel very strongly that the United
States is our nation and that our nation needs the help of every
citizen and that it might be preserved in strength and principal.
The Druids are conscious that in America, of all places, freedom
truly exists. The Druids oppose all subversive influence and
evil in every form and subscribe to the American principles of
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. to the end that
our form of government will never perish from the earth.
The lessons and the teachings contained in
our ritual and philosophy must continually be taught and instilled
into the mind and heart of each Druid, our community and mankind
as a whole if Unity, Peace and Concord is to prevail.
Druidism is a “Way of Life,”
a system of morality — a purely Non-Sectarian, Social, Moral,
Beneficial, Non-Political, Fraternal organization. As stated
before, Druidism professes and asserts Faith in the Supreme
Power Of The Universe, the Brotherhood Of Man, and
the Immortality of the Soul. It grants unto every brother,
sister and sir knight Freedom of Thought — expression
of the Dignity of the individual man and woman. Druidism
by nature is Educational and the lessons of Druidism teache
that the Light of Intelligence will destroy the darkness
of superstition and ignorance [which] continues to blind the
human race and cause great misery to all mankind.
Although Druidism is neither a religious or
political organization, the Druids do partake in a measure of
the nature of both. Druidism is not a religion, but the Druids
profess a religious Faith, as manifested in their belief of the
Almighty God, and the Immortality of the Soul. They are, also,
somewhat political because they believe in the respect and the
dignity of man and woman, and the Druids do partake in politics
in an effort to establish better schools, a better community
in which to live and the Druids openly oppose every “ism”
which is subversive in nature and contrary to the principles
of our government and contrary to freedom [of] thought and the
human spirit.
Druidism justifies its existence by rendering
a service to our fellow man and mankind. Service to humanity
is an important factor in the life and character of a Druid.
Repeating, Druidism emphasizes that the only justification for
its existence is the Services which its members render
unto its brethren and the world at large, to make the world a
better place in which to live. Service to others is one
of the first lessons of Druidism, and by example, the Druids
exemplify true brotherhood assisted by the highest preceptual
moral virtues of Merlin. These moral virtues are the greatest
ever laid down for the guidance of man or woman. The spirit of
brotherhood which is so ever evident and the brothers and sisters
give a tangible meaning to the lessons taught by Druidism in
making it a philosophy, a way of life.
The Three Steps
The Druidic Fraternity consists of three major
divisions: the Ovate, the Bard, and the Druid:
The Ovate was
considered a disciple, a learner, a beginner, the seed or egg
from which in due course the Bard developed. The Ovate was the
first step on the road to becoming a Druid He was a student untrained
and unskilled in the various arts of life. To him was given the
symbolic color of the earth — Green. The Ovate was
especially charged to develop his power of observation by noting
the effects of nature upon life and matter. Thus the Ovate became
a student of the natural sciences. As stated the color of the
Ovate was green. This signified the period of youthful years
and was a suitable time for cultivating the kindly feeling of
the heart and improving the faculties of the mind. Here we see
the commencement of the first precept of Merlin. “Labor
diligently to acquire knowledge — for it is power.”
The Ovate was the writer of prose or of music.
The Bard developed
from the Ovate. As the term conotes, the Bard was the poet of
his day. The Bard”s genius took him to a higher flight,
and to him was given the color of the Heaven — Blue.
The color of the Bard was emblematic of Truth, Purity and
Freedom. The Bards were the historians of the people. Our
Ritual reveals to us that the niceties of poetical expression,
the power of eloquence and the charm of music belonged to the
Bards. The Bard was also the peace maker and he advocated advising
always what is just and resisting evil in every form, and that
there must be obedience to constituted authority.
The final step was to become a Druid.
The highest authority of all. He had to pass through the lower
grades — that of Ovate and Bard — in his search for
Truth and Purity and, having attained thereto, his symbolic
color, White, is accorded him. The Druid was the
master of all the arts and also had final authority in the judgment
of his people. He was their Judge as well as their teacher
and Doctor. Our Ritual also tells us that the “Druids (or
Druid) was held in such esteem that no public affairs were transacted
without their (or his) approbation and their (or his) authority
was absolute.” Here we see the influence and the power vested
in the Druid.
Symbolism of the Colors
The symbolism of the colors are the same today
as they were in the days of Merlin — the same interpretation
applies today as it did to the early Druids.
- White: Purity,
innocence, joy.
- Red: Courage,
power, fervency, zeal.
- Blue: Heaven
(Blue Sky), Godliness, piety, friendship. Loyalty and Justice.
- Green: Hope,
life, plenty. Prevailing color of vegetation.
Oaks and Mistletoe
The symbol of the Ovate is the Mistletoe.
This is a parasitic plant for which the Ancient Druids had great
veneration, and to which they attributed many medicinal virtues.
It was always cut with a sacred knife of gold amid solemn rites
and a great festival closed the ceremonies. The mistletoe grows
parasitically on the apple tree, but seldom on the oak. It was
consecrated to religious purposes by the ancient Celtic nations
of Europe, and was held in high veneration by the Druids when
found on the oak, for whatever grew on an oak was thought to
be a gift from Heaven. The oak tree represented the Diety and
the mistletoe, when found on the oak signifled Man, a
creature entirely dependent upon God for support, and yet with
an individual existence of his own. It is Humanity clinging to
Divinity. The Druids called it All-heal, and represented
it as an antidote to all poisons, and a cure for all diseases.
[It is, however, poisonous in wrong doses.]
Daffodil
The ancient writer wrote nothing about the
Daffodil but the modern writers [who?] on the subject of Druidism
write that the Daffodil was accepted by the Druids as their national
flower, and the Daffodil is symbolic of Purity. The Daffodil
appears early in the springtime of the year. In heralding the
spring it blooms at the door of the Hamlet as well as of the
Palace. The Druids were believers of Equality to all and hence
the Daffodil is the appropriate flower.
Establishment of Schools
The modern Druids following the Custom of
the Ancient Druids established schools. In the provinces of England,
the Druids became a popular institution, there being scarcely
an important town or villa[ge] without it possessed a Druid Grove
(Lodge). Although the Druids as a society were used for social
and convivial purposes, the Druidic Groves established sick and
funeral benefits therewith. In consequence of there being no
system of national chairman, one grand feature of the Druidical
movement was the establishment of schools for the children and
adult members. These schools were scattered over various parts
of England and maintained by voluntary contributions of the Druids
and friendly sympathizers. Some fifty years after its founding
the Ancient Order of Druids had on its roll over 200 groves and
a membership well over one-half million (500,000).
As Druids, we acclaim and support all attempts
by every society to teach and inculcate principles of friendship
and brotherly love.
Again it is repeated Druidism believes and
teaches good citizenship. The Druids are non-sectarian and non-political.
The Druids permit no questions of a religious or political nature
to be brought into the grove. No discussion or individuals or
families are tolerated. We feel very strongly that the United
States is our nation and that our nation needs the help of every
citizen and that it might be preserved in strength and principle.
Modern Principles of Druidism
Modern Druidism is a fraternal association,
international, with branches in all leading countries of the
world; using an international password thus permitting one who
is a member of a unit in any country to visit in all other countries
or wherever the Druids exist.
The objects of the Order are to unite men
together, irrespective of nationality, for mutual protection,
to cultivate the social virtues, provide for the widows and orphans
of deceased members, help members in time of sickness and adversity,
encourage business, foster among its members the spirit of fraternity
and good fellowship, and above all to learn to respect the conscientious
beliefs and feelings of one”s fellow men.
Branches and Membership
There are three branches of the Order, namely
Groves, Chapters and Circles. When a candidate is initiated into
the Order he becomes a member of the Grove and he may later become
a member of the Fun Branch of the Order, called The Chapter.
There is also a Sisterhood which is called the Circle Branch
in which the women predominate, however, brothers may become
members of this Branch.
Qualification for Membership
Applicants for membership must be of unblemished
character, mentally and bodily sound. He must also recognize
and respect The Supreme Power of the Universe.
The age of admission is from 18 to 50 years
of age. Men of the age of 17 years and over 50 may become social
members.
Eight Points In Favor of the Druidic Order
- Because it is the oldest Order in the world.
- Because it is based upon sound and universal
principles.
- Because its object is to unite men together
irrespective of nationality or creed.
- Because through a well regulated system of
dues, it affords protection in sickness and in death.
- Because it cares for the widows and orphans
of deceased members.
- Because it believes in the universal brotherhood
of mam and as such does not interfere with religion or politics.
- Because if you travel, you will find Druids
always willing to help you in business or otherwise.
- Because Druidism advocates absolute respect
to the flag and obedience to the laws of the country under which
you live. If you will join the American Druids (a branch of the
United Ancient Order of Druids of the world), you will be a better
citizen.
Conclusion
In becoming Druids men violate no moral obligation.
In Druidism there is nothing which will interfere with one”s
duties to his God, his country, his family or to himself. Druids
are expected to respect the Flag and give strict obedience to
the laws of the United States of America.
Druids enjoy niceties of an Order dedicated
to the principles to respect and nurture the Dignity of Man;
Friendship and Sociability; Charity; Belief in the Fatherhood
of God and the Brotherhood of Men. An Order which teaches one
to be a Good Neighbor.
If you are interested in becoming a member
of the Druids of California and Nevada write to the Grand Secretary
of the Grand Grove, 7146 Mission Street, Daly City, California
94014. [This address may be obsolete.]
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