Druidcraft, what!?

First my apologies for being so long between posting. It's been a hectic time and there have been a lot of demands on my time. However, I'm going to try to post here as often as possible, I can't guarantee just how often that will be but I'll try for at least once every two weeks to start and increase from there as news and time permits. Secondly a little personal grooming here as I announce that I have completed the Bardic grade coursework with the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids. That's one thing that occupied my spare time. However, I did complete that last week and have my application in to start the Ovates training regimen. I also have a new job which frees up my evenings which will help tremendously. I'm back to driving delivery for an auto parts company, this will take me away from managerial duties and direct me more where I would rather be right now and that is in a job position which is directed towards Commercial customer service which I enjoy and is infinitely more pleasing for me as I know most of the shop owners I deliver to and they are glad to see me back on the route even if I'm driving for a different company. Okay enough about me let's get into this blog's topic, Druidcraft.

Druidcraft is a relatively new term which I think was coined by Phillip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm of OBOD fame. It is the blending of Druidry with Wicca/Witchcraft. The two are both mutually exclusive and unique and at the same time similar. Both are geared towards the elevation of Natual growth and Nature. They are both designed towards conservancy of nature and the worship thereof. As far as ritual work goes the basics of Druidical ritual versus Wiccan/Witchcraft ritual are similar in that both bless the quarters, welcome the Gods/desses and the Old Ones or the Good Neighbors. Both have similar elements on the altar and both recommend the establishment of a home altar. In as far as the home altar is concerned here is a photo of mine.

Some might say I went over the top but I like it and it speaks to me. There is no set formula or blueprint of how you set up your home altar, thus the more eclectic or over the top you want to be is your choice. I have as focal points the rather huge St. Brigid's cross over a background of green material. On the left side of the hanging is a holy water font made from Irish Peat that has been compressed and processed. To the right is a hanger which is home to our Advent wreath candle stand, a thurible and a beautiful handmade broom bought from a friend of ours here in town who is a fabulous broom crafter. On the altar is a Himilayan salt lamp, a handmade chalice and paten, three pictures ( one on a laughing Jesus, one of the world tree, and one of St. Brigid honoring her three faces ), There are also two statues one of Jesus and one of St. Brigid along with candles and crystals and a carnival glass biscuit jar which I have filled with water as a representation of a holy well.

Ok, some may be wondering what does all of the Christian related materials have to do with Druidry, it's really quite simple, I identify myself as a Christopagan and a panentheist. Thus I believe that Christianity and Paganism can be mutually complimentary and I am a panentheist in that I believe that God is not only present in the existential sense but in that his/her being is in every natural object. Thus we are surrounded by God's presence in everything we have. It has taken me quite a while to come to this illumination of Christopaganism as I spent the last twenty odd years attached to the Episcopal Church. The more I concerned myself with the church in all aspects the more I began to see corrollaries which bind the two together starting with St. Brigid who used to be the Celtic Goddess Bride or Brigit/d. She was once viewed as the Goddess of the hearth/fire, the forge, and healing. St. Brigid in the churches view is the patron saint of midwives, newborns, Irish nuns, fugitives, blacksmiths, dairymaids, boatmen, chicken farmers, cattle, scholars, sailors and probably a lot more. She was removed from her post as a Catholic saint due to the nature of some of her miracles and her role as a Bishop both of which, in this druids humble opinion, are m isogonistic in the least view.

There was a lot to reconcile with two belief systems and while I am nowhere near the end of the line I'm closer than I was. I leave it hear for now and give you a chance to read and perhaps form a few questions in mind. If there is a topic with my scope you'd like me to cover please feel free to leave a comment or email me at hicks9729@gmail.com

Peace out friends, more later!!