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In the realm of spiritual exploration, the nuances between different paths such as Druidism and Paganism can often lead to confusion, especially for those newly treading these ways. Mike, a member of our Irish Pagan School community, gave voice to this in a great question:
“What is the difference between Druidism and Paganism? As Iâm sure you know there are unlimited resources online and allot of it is quite confusing and contradictory. Iâve been doing some reading for a year and a half or so and it can get a bit overwhelming. As with everything I read on the web I believe only about a quarter of it.”
Relatable, anyone?!
Now in fairness, I have talked extensively about what Paganism is â [Read it Here] â and I also teach a class called Decolonising Your Druidry â Here.
The short answer, I’m afraid, might be that it’s hard to tell the difference! But let’s jump in to explain what we can about the differences between Druidism and Paganism in this article.
âš Post by Lora OâBrien, MA in Irish History
(The following book links are affiliate fyi, it doesnât cost you to click but it helps us!)
âŠ
A Broad Canopy of Paganism
Paganism today serves as a comprehensive term encompassing a wide variety of spiritual and religious beliefs and practices.
It is characterised by a (mostly) shared set of principles that celebrate the natural world, honour a multitude of deities from cultures all over the world (or none at all), and many practitioners engage in rituals and magical practices.
Within this broad umbrella numerous paths unfold, each with its unique focus and traditions. It’s a very personal way of engaging with spirituality, so it is difficult to give definitives for what Pagans do or believe – they simply wouldn’t apply to everyone.
Druidism, which claims roots in the ancient Celtic spiritual practices of Ireland, Britain, and Continental Europe, emerges as one of these distinct paths within NeoPaganism.
How we practice and teach Irish Paganism at the Irish Pagan School is not Druidry, as in modern terms it has become so appropriated that it’s very unlike our native roots in many fundamental ways.
So, it can be said that most modern Druids are Pagan (there are some who would argue, and thatâs grand, thereâs even some âChristian Druidsâ knocking around)… but not all Pagans are Druids.
The Start of Modern Druidism
While there are references and source material for ancient Druids – [Scholarly Druid Book Recommendation Here] & [Druids in Ireland Book Here] – in the 1800s CE, âDruid Revivalistsâ began to practice⊠something they said was Druidism. These were British upper class dudes, for the most part; sometimes well meaning, but also incredibly ignorant about factual history by modern standards.
And some of them just plain made shit up, probably to inflate their own egos and reputation. Some of that shit is still being practiced as âancientâ parts of festivals and seasonal celebrations for the tourists in Wales.
Weâre looking at you, Iolo Morganwg (Edward Williams) – [More Info Here].
Druidism Today: A Stream in the Flow of Paganism
Druidism today, or Neo-Druidism, distinguishes itself through a focused reverence for what is often termed as ‘Celtic’ spirituality, though it’s essential to approach such classifications with care, given the diversity within Celtic cultures themselves.
And, of course, how NeoPagan ‘Celtic’ spirituality is most often taught by those who were never part of those Celtic cultures.
There is a ‘Druid Network’ which highlights several core aspects that many Druids agree upon, including a commitment to truth and integrity, a deep communion with nature, polytheism, and a dedication to community service and ecological awareness.
Unlike many broader Pagan practices, Druidry places less emphasis on magical workings as its central focus, instead prioritising rituals, meditation, and the service of gods and community.
In the book World Druidry – [See it Here] – Larisa White defines it as:
“The cultivation of honorable relationships with the physical landscapes, flora, fauna, and diverse peoples of the world, as well as with nature deities, and spirits of nature and place.”
This specific orientation towards ‘Celtic’ culture and a focus on the natural world marks Druidism’s distinct place within the Pagan spectrum… however there are other traditions which may claim the same and not call themselves Druids.
Pagans are never not complicated. Sorry.
Navigating Modern Druidism and Paganism
While the foundation of Druidic practice is steeped in ancient traditions in Ireland, Britain, and Europe, the modern expression of Druidism – as with much of NeoPaganism – faces challenges of interpretation and authenticity.
Unfortunately, in modern Druid groups and organisations, there are often high levels of misunderstanding, misapplication, or just straight up Cultural Appropriation of the native source lore and traditions. And as with many groups in NeoPaganism, the ethics can truly leave a lot to be desired.
Yes, this includes Irish Druids and groups, so please do be careful.
It’s crucial to approach both Druidism and Paganism with a discerning eye, so please try to find genuine, respectful sources for your spiritual education and practice.
A Journey of Personal Discovery
Understanding the difference between Druidism and Paganism is more than an academic exercise, of course; it’s a step towards finding a path that resonates deeply with one’s own spiritual inclinations. For those of you drawn to the rich tapestry of Irish Paganism, exploring Druidism can offer a meaningful perspective within the broader Pagan landscape.
However, I really strongly suggest starting with scholarly sources such as the books recommended above, and really anything by DĂĄithĂ Ă hĂgĂĄin, Barry Cunliffe, or Miranda Aldhouse-Green on this topic will get you on the right track.
Learn what you can from ecological and other modern sources, get into some activism to support your local climate and biodiversity heroes, and if the native traditions and cultures of Ireland in particular are calling to you and the only source you previously had was modern ‘Celtic’ authors, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
The Irish Pagan School remains dedicated to providing a genuine, community-service-based source for those seeking to connect authentically with Irish spirituality and traditions. Whether through our free classes or more in-depth courses, we invite you to journey with us, exploring the depths of Paganism and Druidism in a manner that honours the integrity and complexity of these ancient paths.
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I really enjoyed the article especially because I came to Paganism through the path of Druidry which eventually lead me to enroll in IPS. While I have met a lot of good, well-meaning people in Druidry, much of the coursework needs to be updated, to put back the misinformation of the past. Seriously, I read an older book from Neo-Druidry past and it was a hard read because of all the misinformation but was still touted as core coursework. It is kind of a minefield out in modern paganism and druidry.
IPS has helped a lot in giving me the tools to help be a better Druid and ensure that the information I am reading about is correct and in the proper context because as a path, it is my preferred path (as opposed to something like a witch or priest) so if I am going to walk this path, I want to do it right. Keep up the great work!
[…] Druids, as a class, are included in the 7th and 8th century laws tracts and although their role had been diminished from their pre-christian prominence they did still exist and still had a role within society (Kelly, 1988). There is even an 8th century hymn calling on godâs protection against âthe magic of women, blacksmiths, and druidsâ (Kelly, 1988). So we can say quite definitively that Patrick didnât wipe out the Druids. […]
[…] kings and chieftains. What we also have from our oldest lore is mention, and even names, of druids and the roles they […]
Im learning new religious language and beliefs as I’m unhappy with the myths I was taught in Church growing up.