Sublime

In megalithic times the early Druids were probably not distinctively classed into three branches of learning. The Druid shaman would probably have been the doctor and priest and repository of tribal lore all in one.

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

When Nichols founded the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids in 1964 he introduced a celebration of the Winter Solstice and the four Celtic fire festivals.

The union is complete. May God and Goddess be forever united within my soul. May love and blessings, creativity and joy flow from my heart, and my hands, my body and my whole being. All is One. All is One, All is One.

If we accept this theory of the origin of the early Druids, we are able to understand more readily the reason behind the number of startling similarities that exist between Native American and Druid teachings and practice, including the use of sacred circles and sweat-lodges, the honouring of the cardinal directions, a belief in animal- and spirit-

Druidry is often likened to a philosophy – it is indeed a way of life that does not require a belief in any external deity (though many Druids do see it as a religion, with their own deities).

The tree which represents the Ovate grade is the yew – the tree of death and rebirth, of eternity.

Druidism, or Druidry as it is often called, is remarkably free of dogma and is in many ways a very young movement, even though it bases itself on very old foundations.