Modern Druid Organizations
Larger Druidry Orders Offer Support, Education and Community
Mar 21, 2009
Interest in Modern Druidry continues to grow and develop, inspired by humanity’s wish and need to reconnect with the natural world. These organizations offer information, community and support to those drawn to the spirituality, traditions and philosophy of Druidry. The current tradition of Druidry dates back to the Druid revival in the 18th Century, however modern Druids are inspired by their predecessors of pre-history.
The Henge of Kelitria
US Based Henge of Kelitria was founded in 1985, with a view to following a Celtic Druidic Path. Groups meet in many US States, and the organization’s membership newsletter Henge Happenings is published on key dates of the Celtic Calendar such as Belthane, Imbolc and Samhain. Various paths of training are available with Kelitria.
Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF)
Another major US-based Druid organization, Ár nDraíocht Féin, “Our Own Druidry” in modern Irish, offers teaching and a community of worship both through its local groups, and also to solitary druids via the internet.
The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD)
International organization The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) is perhaps the world’s most active group of Druids today.
OBOD runs an established correspondence training course in druidry, and ecological and tree planting campaigns.
The Ancient Order of Druids
The Ancient Order of Druids is one of the oldest contemporary Druid organizations, tracing its history back to 1781. One distinguished member who joined in August 1908 was Winston Churchill.
The Ancient Order of Druids is less open than many of the above organizations, with new members requiring recommendation from two existing members before admission. While some of the international groups admit women, the English groups exclude them. The Order of Druids is linked to Freemasonry and Rotary Clubs.
The British Druid Order (BDO)
Founded in 1970, the British Druid Order (BDO) organizes meetings across the UK, both public Gorsedd celebrations, and membership of local groups, known as Groves, by invitation.
The BDO publishes and occasional newsletter, Tooth and Claw and a distance learning course on Druidry is due to begin summer 2009.
Alongside these larger organizations exist local Druid groups in many parts of the world.
There are considerable differences between many of these Druid organizations, and newcomers to Druidry may wish to explore a number of them before choosing their future spiritual home.
Whether you are seeking to deepen your knowledge and understanding, to gather with other Druids to learn or worship, or to research and further Druid knowledge, you are sure to find what you are looking for among at least one of these modern Druid organizations.
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