The sixth gift develops our potential. Druidry as it is practised today offers a path of self-development that encourages our creative potential, our psychic and intuitive abilities, and fosters our intellectual and spiritual growth.

A critic might say that such an approach leads to selfishness or indulgence, but in reality it leads to a far greater sense of responsibility – in particular for the environment.

Gradually the resources of body and heart, mind and intuition become more fully available to guide and inspire them.

SOMEWHERE IN EVERYONE’S heart there is a dream trying to be born. But when we look at the world around us it often seems as if collectively we have created a nightmare – we see appalling poverty and suffering, the devastation of terrorism, war and industrialisation.

In the Druid circle the sword is placed in the south, just as the wand is placed in the east, the cup of water in the west, and the stone in the north.

In coming to these sources of evidence we are presented with a rich and exciting field of study which in recent years or so has helped us form a picture of Druidry which suggests a continuity of tradition from the Neolithic right through to the Celtic era.

The Gods have returned to Eri and have centred themselves in the sacred mountains and blow the fires through the country. They have been seen by several in vision. They will awaken the magical instinct everywhere and the universal heart of the people will turn to the old Druidic beliefs. George Russell (‘AE’), in a letter to W. B. Yeats, 1896

In working with the processes of death and regeneration, the Ovates’ particular study is – fittingly – tree lore, herbalism and healing.

Stukeley became a Freemason, and discovered – on being summoned to Kew Palace – that the then Princess of Wales shared his enthusiasm for Druidry. She apparently became the patroness of a Druid group that he organised, taking on the name ‘Veleda, Archdruidess of Kew’.