The Druidic Connection
In conventional usage "neo-Druidic" generally refers to attempts (many of which derive from the 18th century revival of interest in Druidry) to reconstruct some of the more ritualistic practices of original Druidry.
Our take on the matter, and our use of the term "neo-Druidic", is somewhat different.
Attempting to faithfully reconstuct a body of practises and beliefs
can be a worthwhile academic exercise, and fruitful in terms of
enhancing our understanding of a particular facet of times past.
Attempting a selective reconstruction, wherein certain
of the rather more (from a contemporary perspective) "objectionable"
practises are "pruned" is, in our view, a somewhat dubious endeavour
and, we suspect, this sadly is the case with so many of the current
neo-Druidic movements.
But to then take such a selective reconstruction and endeavour
to present it as modern Druidry is, we believe, a deeply flawed
approach, and not at all authentic.
Flawed because it takes no account of the fact that, had Druidry
not "disappeared" for many centuries it would have witnessed -
as any human endeavour - a natural evolution in both its practises
and its beliefs. To be sure, isolated "fundamentalists" may also
have survived, who would have insisted upon a strict adherence
to tradition (and probably falling foul of current law in the
process!) but, by and large, 21st century Druidry would (assuming
a natural and unbroken growth) have been significantly different
to Druidry as documented in historical accounts.
As an almost facetious example, Druids may well have added to
their repertoire of omen-bearing "tokens" such mundane things
as car registration numbers (i.e., number plates!) whilst at the
same time (being the scholars that they were) fully and joyfully
embracing the wonders of modern computing technology - including
the internet!
One known example of this ability and preparedness to evolve are in the indications that original Druidry forsook some of its more pagan practises and embraced particular tenets of the Christian faith, subsequently manifesting as the Celtic Christian Church, or Culdees.
Thus, when we refer to the Fellowship as being a neo-Druidic group
this is not saying that we have attempted a revival of original
Druidry (in whatever circumscribed form) but that our practises
are informed by what we believe to be an evolved 21st century
"Druidic spirit".
Consequently, do not look for us to be prancing around in theatrical
white robes at Stonehenge during the Summer Solstice! We're more
likely to be found clad in smelly outdoor-wear at a remote campsite
taking part in some form of environmental activism.
