I have been seeing several profiles claiming to be druids. I'm sorry if I sound dumb or if this seems rude to said profiles should they read but I need this question answered so that I know the correct way to term it and address it. What exactly is a druid? I honestly thought a druid was a nature spirit only found in mythology. If that's the case how can someone be a druid?
Please forgive me if I offend any of you, I honestly just want to have this Clarified
As for being a nature spirit, I think you are thinking about a "dryad". In Greek mythology they were nature spirits that lived in trees.
The original Druids were the priestly cast of the ancient Celts. They filled a number of different roles in Celtic society being the ones who kept the genealogies of the Kings, the myths and legends of the different tribes, they acted as judges in legal disputes, and they were the priests of the Celtic religion. The ancient Druids were pretty well wiped out in the 1st century AD when the Romans conquered Britain.
Modern Druidry was started by Ross Nichols back in the 1940's and has several branches around the world. In Britain the Order of Ovates, Bards, and Druids (OBOD) is the most common. There are branches of OBOD here in the US as well. But perhaps the larges group here in the United States is r nDraocht Fin (ADF) which was started by the late Isaac Bonewits.
Modern Druidry is a Pagan religion, and in the case of ADF, a recognized Pagan church which places an emphasis on connection with the natural world and the cosmos. You can find a good description of their beliefs on the ADF page at https://www.adf.org/about/basics/beliefs.html
There are several practicing Druids on Spells of Magic who would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Thank you Lark that was very insightful. I think I have a better unerstanding and will definitely ask questions and look at the site. I appreciate your wisdom and insight.
