Ancient Druidism is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic people. However, because Druidism is a mostly oral tradition, there is little historical record to irrefutably pin down the origins of ancient Druidism.Druidism is considered a pagan religion, whose followers put their faith in many different gods and goddesses. Druids also strongly believe in reincarnation. Druidism is still practiced today, although beliefs and practices may vary from that of their ancestors.It is a common misconception that in the ancient tradition only men could become Druids. However, this is simply untrue. In ancient Druidism women most certainly could,and did become Druids or Druidesses.
It was not
until the Druid reformation in the 17th and 18th centuries and the
coming of Christianity that Druid orders were formed banning women from
their membership.
In modern Druidism women are once again seen as
equals and commonly play important roles within the religion, including
the role of Druidess.
While ancient Druidism can
most certainly not be defined as a strictly patriarchal tradition, it
cannot truthfully be defined as matriarchal either. It seems to be that
in Druidism, men and women had a fairly equilateral relationship and
that it was just as acceptable for a woman to choose to study the Druid
path as it was for her male peers.
This makes sense if we
consider the societal status of Celtic women in comparison to other
European women at the time. If you were a womanin ancient times you
would have been lucky to be born a Celt. Celtic women had far more
rights and freedom than the women of any other culture at the time.
Celtic women could participate in warfare, own and inherit land and
property and were even allowed to divorce their husbands. Such things
were unheard of in other European societies at that time.
Female Druids or Druidesses
are mentioned by both Greek and Roman historians as well as in Celtic
myth. Female Druids, known as the Bandroai (Bandruidh), are thought to
have functioned as seers and prophets. Ancient stories refer to
Druidesses who could see the future and who helped their people to
victory in battle.
If you take a look at
Celtic mythology, you will find that many of the most powerful gods
were female. In contrast to many other ancient religions, Celtic gods
and goddesses did nots......
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The Wiccan pentacle has been added to the list of emblems allowed in national cemeteries and on goverment-issued headstones of fallen soldiers, according to a settlement announced Monday. A settlement between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Wiccans adds the five-pointed star to the list of "emblems of belief" allowed on VA grave markers.Eleven families nationwide are waiting for grave markers with the pentacle, said Selena Fox, a Wiccan high priestess with Circle Sanctuary ...Pagan prisoners win right to have 'magic wands'
Prison bosses have been instructed to let pagan inmates keep twigs in their cells...to use as wands. Officers have been told to allow prisoners to collect and decorate the twigs which they need for their rituals. It is the latest in a series of rulings to protect convicts" rights and ensure equality among different faiths. Followers of other faiths are allowed items such as a prayer mat to allow them to worship.The policy regarding pagans was announced by Justice Reform Minister Maria Eagle in a...Vatican Opens Pagan Tombs Under St. Peter's
A massive altar dedicated to an eastern cult deity has emerged during excavations of a Roman fort in northern England.
Weighing 1.5 tons, the four-foot high ornately carved stone relic, was unearthed at the Roman fort of Vindolanda, which was built by order of the Emperor Hadrian between 122-30 A.D.
The Romans built the defensive wall across the north of Britain from Carlisle to Newcastle-on-Tyne, to keep out invading armies from what is now Scotland.
What should have been...Pagan Religion Grows In Popularity
For many Halloween is a time for fun and dressing up, but for others it has a greater significance - some believe it to be a time for tradition and celebration while others perceive it assomething altogether more sinister."Witches, beware. Mummies, be gone.Halloween may be a celebration of all things creepy and macabre, but a growing number of US communities are shunning traditional ghoulish festivities, seen by some as tainted...Pagan festival held in Pittsburg
What better way to show God you appreciate him than to squander his most
precious gift, life, in a miasma of ruthlessness and gore? In addition to justifying Crusades, Witch Trials and Wars, this theological
breakthrough is also the main justification for the time-honored practice of
human sacrifice.
Sacrifices are perhaps the most ancient method to honor deities, going right
back to the earliest ancestor-worship religions of Egypt and Mesopotamia. The original theory was "everyone ...
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Wiccans celebrate eclipse
Basque myths and legends: Mari, Ortzi and Ilargia
VA allows Wiccan symbols on headstones
Pagan prisoners win right to have 'magic wands'
Vatican Opens Pagan Tombs Under St. Peter's
Altar to Mysterious Deity Found at Roman Fort
Pagan Religion Grows In Popularity
How do you perceive Halloween ?
Pagan festival held in Pittsburg
History of Ritual Human Sacrifice
