#druidblr

[wild-magick-child]

Blessed Summer Solstice 🌻🌻🌻🌞🌞🌞

[minnesotadruids]

Hey everyone,

Sharing this link on behalf of a dear my friend and Grove member who is raising funds for top surgery and peace of mind after both their cats required vet care and passed away in quick succession, eating their savings. Even reaching half the goal would allow them to confirm the surgery date. Thanks for sharing and helping, any assistance has the utmost appreciation!

[thatferalbogdruid]

𓆱꩜⸙͎/|\ welcome to my grove! /|\⸙͎꩜𓆱

main blog: @vvildflowerrr

꩜ /|\ ꩜

name - willow crow luxx

age - 24

identity - genderfluid, sapphic, queer, fluid

pronouns - they/he and sometimes she

taurus ☉ | capricorn ☾ | scorpio ↥

aries ☿ | gemini ♀ | libra ♂

꩜ /|\ ꩜

꩜ /|\ ꩜

feral druid | grey pagan | witch

(focusing on balance and growth)

spiritual anniversary: august 1st, 2018

druid initiation: may 19th, 2023 /|\ ꩜

꩜ /|\ ꩜

studying

irish paganism (03/25/20)

druidry (03/21/22)

(1 year via IWOD, currently in OBOD's bardic grade)

roman paganism (12/19/22) - not in active practice

heathenry (07/13/21) - not practicing

deities

𓅩 An Mórrígan (03/25/2020)

☠︎︎ Hel (10/19/22)

♡ Venus (12/22/22)

☼ Apollo (05/25/20)

𓆱 Cernunnos (10/16/23)

⸙͎ The Wild (ever-present)

꩜ /|\ ꩜

꩜ /|\ ꩜

my practice, path, & studies

- 'active' practice, everything i do is magick if i have intent

- grey path vibes ₊˚⊹

- general spellwork

- divination (tarot, pendulum, runes)

- sigils

- music magick

- magick journalling

- breathwork, meditation, grounding & centering

- herbs & herbalism

- kitchen magick

- folk magick (studying)

꩜ /|\ ꩜

꩜ /|\ ꩜

i hope you enjoy your time here💚🌿

[dragonkibbleiinmycauldron]

What I'm starting to miss is mythology.

I'm no great seer or psychic. I don't have inspired dreams from the Lord and Lady or any other god/esses. Whereas Wicca is a very "hands-on" religion and focused on your personal connection to the divine (which I like), I need scaffolding.

In Traditional wicca, as far as I've been able to discern, there are no set myths or tales. There are ideas like the dying and rising God, son and husband to the Triple Goddess. But that's it.

So I'm starting to pivot towards druidry. Makes sense really, seeing as Wicca seems to lean on celtic ideas as is.

I'm reading a wonderful book called Druidcraft by Philip Carr-Gomm, which I'm enjoying immensely.

Let's see where the journey takes me.

[redwood-and-maple]

Ogham Meditations: The Second Aicme

I have been writing my meditations on the ogham feda, or letters, and I've found it a very valuable experience, so I wanted to share my thoughts.

The meanings, keywords, and pronunciations of each letter is from Erynn Rowan Laurie's book Ogam: Weaving Word Wisdom. Everything else is my own.

hÚath - H

(oo-uth) Meaning: Terror Keyword: Despair

Fear and despair are both things that stop movement, for me. Terror tries to activate movement through the fight or flight response, but there is also freeze. I think of when I went through my crisis in 2014-15 after a lifetime of depression. Was my body trying subconsciously to inspire action through fear? In some ways, it worked, because I finally got help. However, the fear was also so intense that I had trouble doing basic things like sleeping.

Fear is a method of protection. However, risk is inherent in many aspects of life. We must take risks. We even get dopamine from facing our fears successfully, which is why some people thrill-seek. Fear, thrill, excitement, desire... they are all so closely connected.

How do I work with fear as a partner? How do I acknowledge fear and then decide for myself if I want to move forward? How do I allow myself to fear, to scream all the way down the roller-coaster?

hÚath is the mark of the Morrigan.

May she guide me through the terrors of battle to righteous victory.

Dair - D

(dar) Meaning: Oak Keyword: Strength

Strength of the oak. Strength of the druid. Strength of the lion. Strength of the maiden.

Strength of the oak to grow tall, to grow in light, where other tree have not yet gone, to grow old, with deep roots, to grow hard and sturdy wood used only by master crafters, for doors and houses to last generations.

Strength of the druid, in touch with the spirits of the land, who has forged knowledge and lived experience into wisdom.

Strength of the maiden, master of her own mind, sovereign of her own self, beholden to no one. She who embraces the wildness of the self, lets it be wild, lets herself be wild, but also calms the wildness, the anger, the frenzy.

Compassion is strength. Gentleness is strength. Living is strength. Scars do not diminish strength.

Perhaps Dair is the mark of the Dagda to me. Perhaps Dair is the roots of the oak in my gut, supporting the fire in my heart.

Tinne - T

(CHIN-uh) Meaning: Ingot (bar of metal) Keyword: Mastery

Mastery. Could be a symbol of Lugh, Master of All Arts. The ingot. The forge. Skills that seem like magic. Skills are magic.

What does it mean to be a master? It's not perfection, which is impossible. Is it the ability to teach others? Maybe, but not necessarily. It's a level of skill, hard to measure. But it feel good. You may not know where the peak of a mountain is, but at some point you see the vista. See how far you have come.

It's something you build up to. There must be joy as well as challenge. Challenge without joy is suffering. Joy without challenge eventually loses its meaning, becomes boredom. Balanced, you feel joy in reaching higher each time, and struggles aren't crushing.

Lugh, may I find this balance. May I continue to reach ever higher.

Coll - C

(kull) Meaning: Hazel Keyword: Wisdom

Wisdom, nine rivers, nine hazel trees, the salmon in the pool. Mastery vs wisdom. Mastery of skill, earth of air, wisdom of the heart, water of air. Master of skills, wisdom of... ethics? Philosophy? Things you know, but more than know. Things one embodies, acts out every day. Experience.

Wisdom is the calm waters of the pool. Wisdom connects to the heart, the subconscious, the Otherworld. Psychology and spirituality are often linked. The human mind is a vast and mysterious place.

I can be wise and struggle to embody wisdom. That is being human.

Wisdom and inspiration are connected through the story of Taliesin and Cerridwen. Fire and water, things that should mix mixing. How are they similar and different? I'm not sure. Perhaps next time.

Ceirt - Q

(kyert) Meaning: Rag or Shrub Keyword: Misfortune

Misfortune. Sometimes bad things just happen! Sometimes things are out of our control. We tie clooties on trees, we pray, we try to blame ourselves, but sometimes it doesn't work. I think Picard once said "Sometimes you still fail, even if you do everything right."

Mental illness. Even when we are able to change ourselves, it is a slow thing, not linear. Sometimes it seems like all of our work is undone. "Brain does what it wants," I've said.

But this is only sometimes! When we ride out the storms, eventually the sun comes out again. If not, get help in what ways you can.

There are some things you can change, and some things you can't. It's against our nature, us homo sapiens, so good at thinking, but we need to let go of the things we can't change and focus on the things we can.

[oakkingscrolls]

The Druids of Gaul must have been very powerful for Rome to be so damn afraid of them.

[when-november-ends]

if anyone can hook me up with some info about druids I'd be very thankful <3

[cottageshadowwitch]

Last year I didn't have any blossoming plants outside, but this year I was able to invest in a more insect friendly outside plant space which I absolutely love.

Today I was sitting outside on my stairs with a cup of coffee and a book and I was visited by a bumblebee which seemed very happy with the flower options available.

I can't put into words how proud and grateful I felt watching this.

[wild-magick-child]

Ain't ya gonna tell 'em who CREATED the symbol of the Awen?

That would be none other than Iolo Morganwg, founder of modern Pheryllt Druidry during the Druid Revival. The very Tradition you Celtic Druids have the audacity to steal from, then discredit. A fact you so rudely neglected to mention this proves my point.

Anyway, yes, the Awen is definitely a symbol of inspiration. I draw up on it often in my artwork & my Depicturgy.

Awen: The Spirit of Inspiration in Druidic Tradition

The concept of Awen is a fundamental element in modern Druidry and Celtic spirituality. It represents a divine inspiration or creative spirit that flows through all things, fueling artistic expression, wisdom, and spiritual understanding. Rooted in ancient Welsh traditions and widely embraced by contemporary Druids, Awen encapsulates a profound connection between humanity and the natural world, the divine, and the realms of creativity and knowledge.

Historical Origins and Etymology

The term "Awen" originates from the Welsh language, where it literally means "inspiration" or "muse." Its earliest recorded usage appears in the medieval Welsh literature of the 6th century, notably in the works of the bards and poets. The concept of Awen is closely tied to the figure of the bard in Celtic society—those who were the keepers of history, lore, and cultural wisdom through their poetry and music.

In the Welsh Triads and the works of Taliesin, one of the most renowned bards of the medieval period, Awen is depicted as a divine force that grants poets their insight and creativity. The word itself likely derives from Proto-Celtic *aweno-, which means "inspiration."

Awen in Druidic Tradition

Modern Druidry, which saw a revival in the 18th and 19th centuries and continues to evolve today, places Awen at the heart of its spiritual practice. Druids view Awen as a sacred flow of inspiration that comes from the divine and permeates the universe. It is not only a source of artistic creativity but also a spiritual force that brings wisdom, clarity, and a deep connection to nature.

The Three Rays of Awen

A common symbol associated with Awen in Druidic tradition is the three rays of light. This symbol typically consists of three parallel lines or rays, often depicted radiating from a single source. Each ray represents different aspects of inspiration and spiritual illumination:

1. **The First Ray:** This ray symbolizes the spark of inspiration or the initial creative impulse. It represents the beginning of an idea or the seed of wisdom.

2. **The Second Ray:** This ray stands for the process of development and growth. It is the journey of bringing an idea to fruition, the unfolding of creative and spiritual insight.

3. **The Third Ray:** This final ray signifies completion and manifestation. It is the realization and expression of inspiration in the material world, whether through art, writing, or acts of wisdom.

The Invocation of Awen

Druids often invoke Awen through rituals and ceremonies to seek inspiration and guidance. The chant "Awen" is commonly used, either sung or spoken, to open oneself to the flow of divine inspiration. This practice serves as a meditative and spiritual exercise, aligning the practitioner with the forces of creativity and insight.

The chant of Awen is said to attune the mind and spirit to the deeper currents of the universe, allowing for a clearer reception of inspiration. It can be a solitary practice or part of communal rituals, and it often accompanies other elements of Druidic ceremonies, such as the celebration of seasonal festivals and rites of passage.

Awen and the Arts

In the realm of the arts, Awen is seen as the driving force behind all forms of creative expression. From poetry and music to visual arts and storytelling, artists in the Druidic tradition seek to channel Awen in their work. This creative process is not merely about personal expression but is viewed as a way to connect with the divine and contribute to the cultural and spiritual enrichment of the community.

Awen and Nature

For Druids, nature is a primary source of Awen. The natural world, with its cycles, beauty, and mystery, is a wellspring of inspiration and wisdom. By observing and interacting with nature, Druids believe they can tap into the flow of Awen, gaining insights and understanding that transcend ordinary perception. This deep connection to nature is reflected in the reverence for sacred groves, stones, and other natural sites that are often central to Druidic practice.

Awen remains a central and inspiring concept in modern Druidry and Celtic spirituality. It embodies the divine spark of inspiration that fuels creativity, wisdom, and a profound connection to the world around us. Whether through the arts, nature, or spiritual practice, the pursuit of Awen is a journey toward deeper understanding and harmonious existence with the universe. As Druids continue to celebrate and invoke Awen, they keep alive an ancient tradition that enriches the mind, spirit, and culture, connecting them to a timeless source of inspiration.

[minnesotadruids]

Good afternoon, C.O.R.D. Biquarterly druidry newsletter readers!

At this time we are kindly requesting any multimedia content for our upcoming Oimelc issue that you have the rights or permission to share (exception for YouTube videos of druidic interest).

Oimelc is crafting season! What do you craft?

Experiencing any photogenic weather extremes this El Niño?

Devotee of Brigid? We'd love to hear about it!

Kind reminder you need to use the linked submission forms

Whether it's news of your Grove/Protogrove/solo practice, your poetry, seasonal photography, seasonal recipes, personal milestones, relevant product or book reviews, musings, meditations, devotionals, divinations, etc, we encourage you to share it in the next newsletter if you feel so inclined! Got an Etsy storefront for metaphysical supplies you provide? We even have some free promo space in the newsletter just for that. Please ensure that all content is "PG-13" or tamer.

The "liveline" (because deadline sounds so un-reformed!) is roughly: One week from the timestamp of this post (this time next Wednesday)

[dandelion-jester]

Wizards and sorcerers may be natural enemies, but in my experience, wizards and druids are boyfriends

[ladymacbeth-eb]

RESEARCH PROJECT ON WITCHCRAFT

Hello! I'm doing an EPQ - a research project - on beliefs in and attitudes towards witchcraft in Britian. It would mean the world to me if anyone who sees this could fill out my survey and share it with others. Thank you so much!

https://forms.gle/WmngDZVUd3WpoJDg7

[moonstones-and-stardust]

Definitely give this person a boost.

Hi friends - I really hate to make this post, but I'm struggling a little bit this month due to some unforseen emergency bills. I want to take a moment to plug my Etsy store, TheDruidsForest (click the name for a link).

Include your tumblr username and chosen intention in your order, and I'll add in an extra gift of a small custom spell bottle for free 💚 I used to do this a lot, but I haven't in a while. My Etsy was such a huge hobby of mine and kept me busy, but after 2020 and their new SEO/fees/dropshippers/etc, it really died and I'm lucky to see 1 order per month. I'd really appreciate a follow, a favorite, or even just a glance. Love and light to you all!

[jollyyetioccult]

October 3rd Im active!

Where are the 25+ Witches, Bards, Ovates, and Druids at?

I want to follow you! So like this post.

[redwood-and-maple]

I finished my ogham runes today!

I want to learn how to read ogham (it will likely be my Druid focus for my first degree with the Ancient Order of Druids in America), so I decided to make my own set. I cut cross section pieces from a branch pruned from the birch tree in my front yard, sanded the faces, then used my husband's wood burning tool to burn the letters into them.

Then, I lit some incense (I used Frankincense because of its use to sanctify spaces and objects), and I said these prayers/incantations while turning to the south, west, north, and east respectively.

Great beings of the Otherworld, please bless these runes with power and insight.

Ancestors and beloved dead, please bless these runes with power and insight.

Spirits of the land, please bless these runes with power and insight.

By my own strength and will, I bless these runes with power and insight.

Now I'm letting them soak in some sunlight. The moon is associated more with intuition and prophecy in neo-paganism, but I feel like I draw most of my strength from the sun, so I'm trying sunlight first.

I'm excited to see how my first reading goes!

[wild-magick-child]

hello! I am considering purchasing your Weatherworker's Grimoire, however I was wondering if you had any samples or excerpts available from the book?

If you click on the link there is an excerpt from the book in the pics. Thanks in advance!