So, I have some idea of what a druid is (have just read What Druids believe by Carr Gomm) but am now confused as I don't see what the difference is between Druidry and other Paganism stuff. What is the difference between each path?

Or am I being anal?

Well, Druidry is one Pagan path and it is an individual as other pagan paths.

From what I have read, it is a polytheistic and animistic. It is based on Celtic mythology, mainly Welsh. Awen, spirit, is the connection, the soul and spirit that flows through it and the mortal and spirit world, and connection to the gods is made through the bardic traditions of song and word.

As for the difference between Druidry and other paths - um, where do you start??!

There are lots of similarities. There are lots of differences. I know there are many Druids who would say that the differences are what bind us together.

Indeed, it is a tradition generally native to the "q" Celtic peoples. Though I descended in part from this breed, inheriting much of its older characteristics that survived through a long indigenous lineage, I also share strong Roman, Germanic, Norse and Pictish characteristics from much travel and mixed breeding the last two generations. No doubt it is such conditions that make alot of us in UKP more eclectic than so specific in terms of our beliefs and practices.

Would like to say that druidry involves less magic ie ritual but then I think that drawing a circle is ritual. would like to say that druids have a closer connection to trees (but then don't most pagans feel close to nature). Would like to say that druidry involves more prediction involving augury (but then most pagans like to predict things - if only thru tarot or something else)

The distinction between a druid and, say, wiccan is very fine. I also think that there is so much individuality involved in the practice of pagan beliefs that defining characteristics are really impossible - although I would say that my practice is closer to druidry than wiccan or other paths.

One thing that I do is alter my state of consciousness. I don't work with any gods or goddesses as such but I do call on the energies of nature itself (I can't think of any other way of describing it). I suppose there is some similarity to shamanism here. I hardly do any ritual (except may be light a few candles, crystals, use colour etc).

I like reading tarot (and prefer to use cards that have a strong animistic feel) rather than say AE Waite or other more traditional cards. This is partially because (at least for me anyway) animals represent a potent force of unconscious energy that can be understood (ie much like a vision quest)

So perhaps there isn't much difference as such except maybe how we interpret what we sense.

Sorry I can't be any more specific.

kind regards, Fizzyclare

Most of what we know about the Druids was recorded by the Romans, as the druids learnt everything orally, so kept no written records, thus making a history of the druids virtually impossible. scant archaeological evidence for the druids from the Black sea area gives dates from the Proto-Indo European culture circa 4000bce to 61ce and the destruction of Ynys mon. It seems that those initiated into the druid order came from "noble families" and started their training from about the age of 6 years old, how long this education lasted is also uncertain, probably periods of between 10 and 20 years, possibly being sent away to "acadamies" such as Ynys mon (Angelsey)and other places in europe. Here they learnt to not only perform roles similar to modern priests, but were also philosophers, scientists, lawmakers, teachers, judges and counsellors, Similarities have been drawn between Druids and Hindi bramhin. whether the druids were mono or polythesist is uncertain. With the spread of the empire and later christianity the order was effectively banned. the druids went onto establish bases in Ireland and possibly in the remoter scottish Isles wher they seemed to have faded from history.
However this did not stop the 18th and 19th century intellectuals from building a romantic mythology around them. This was closely associated with the rebirth of Celtic nationalism, as well as the Romantic and Gothic movements. This body of fact and speculation later became a central source of modern Wicca and Neo-Pagan belief and practice.

Hi, I have studied with the OBOD and I have studied Wicca amongst other things!
I would generally say the major difference between these 2 is that Druidry is Male in nature, being very Solar orientated, wheras, Wicca is Female in nature, being more Lunar orientated. Obviously they both contain each aspect, but that was my experience!
Then again it all gets very confusing if you study Norse Traditions, as the Solar Aspects are Female and the Lunar are Male!

And not just in the Heathen religion - the same polarity of sun and moon exists in a number of religions. For example, IIRC, the Celtic religion has a sun goddess.

How about Djehuty and Ra? They're both dudes.

I have just had to read up on Druidry for the Pagan Dictionaries project.

I would say what sets modern Druidy apart is

Emphasis on the outdoors
Emphasis on nature empathy above magic
Emphasis on the Sun and Earth rather than the moon.
Emphasis on Bardic skills
Emphasis on Peace
Use of the Ogham alphabet in magic

Druidry is a philosophy so it can be followed as part of any religion - although polytheistic Celtic gods are most frequently used.

Bare in mind it is a very organic tradition and almost anything goes.

Skegga