Modern Druidism

This introduction to modern Druidism provides a comprehensive overview of today’s Pagan religion and philosophy, whose roots are in the Celtic tribal societies of ancient Britain and Ireland. The author covers Druidism’s mythology, history and important figures and its beliefs and moral system, and describes practices, rituals and ceremonies. A gazetteer of important sacred sites is included, along with information about modern Druid groups and organizations.

Yowann Byghan is an author, poet and playwright who has been a practicing Druid for more than fifty years. He is a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh, and speaks fluent Cornish. His knowledge of Scottish Gàidhlig, Irish Gaeilge and Welsh, as well as Latin, has allowed him to research source texts in the original languages as well as in translation. He lives on a small island in the Inner Hebrides in Scotland.

Yowann Byghan
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 252
Bibliographic Info: 24 photos, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2018
pISBN: 978-1-4766-7314-1
eISBN: 978-1-4766-3178-3
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments vi

Preface 1

I • Introduction to Druidic Philosophy and Religion

1. The Universe and the World 3

2. Moral Philosophy 23

II • The History of Druidism

3. Ancient Celtic Druidism 37

4. Classical Druidic Roles and Responsibilities 56

5. Some Famous Druids in History and Legend 70

III • Modern Druidism

6. The Romantic Revival 89

7. Some Modern Groups and Organizations 100

8. Some Modern Druids 114

IV • Lore and Ritual

9. Sacred Sites 145

10. The Tree Alphabet and Calendar 176

11. Modern Rituals and Liturgy 193

12. Sample Rites and Texts 208

Appendix A: Glossary 221

Appendix B: Contact Information 224

Chapter Notes 227

Bibliography 231

Index 235

• “This is a lovely book that the aspiring Druid will find very useful. I particularly enjoyed the write-ups of the Druidic founders, especially the Breton Druids with whom I was less familiar. It is always refreshing to note the Socialist leanings of early modern Druids,something that I find quite sympathetic. There is a great gazetteer of sacred places in Britain, Ireland and North America within these pages that should inspire wandering Druids in their travels.”—Ellen Evert Hopman, author of the Priestess of the Forest trilogy of Druid novels.