18-05-2007, 08:36 PM
Druid - In ancient times the Druid was an adherent to an ancient Celtic philosophy. They studied for up to 30 years going through the stages of Bard - writing music and songs, often satirical in nature - the journalists of their day; ovate - the wise man or woman adept at herbalism and divination; and Druid - the ritualist. They are thought to have been responsible for the building of sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury. It is thought that the sect may have begun in Ireland and some of the biggest Druid colleges are in Ireland. The biggest British college was situated on Anglesey and was destroyed by the Romans during the Roman invasion as they recogised the importance of removing their power base to the subjugation of the Celts.The philosphy was revived by Iolo Morganwg at a ceremony on Primrose Hill in London in 1892 and many of todays Druid orders have roots in this revival and his work.
Today there are dozens of different Druid Orders with vastly differing focus. They are loosely bound together by the Council of British Druid Orders which has members from most of the major Orders.