In ancient times a druid was a philosopher, teacher, counsellor and magician, the word probably meaning ‘A Forest Sage’ or ‘Strong Seer’. There have been several druid revivals over the last 500 years but what does it mean to be a druid today? What exactly do they believe in and practise? Do they all wear robes, have beards and listen to Hawkwind? Or are they surprisingly diverse, with members ranging from police officers to psychotherapists?
In an article in Emergence Magazine recently one member, author Lucy Jones, pointed out that, as a way of life, druidry is relatively pandemic-proof; most of it is practised outside.
To answer all your questions and more, the Catalyst Club is honoured to welcome Eimear Burke, chosen chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) and Philip Carr-Gomm, former OBOD chief for 32 years.
OBOD is the largest druidic order in the world, with over 22,000 members, and whose teachings combine the inspiration of the ancient druids and the old stories with contemporary scholarship and insights; a community who love nature and want to follow a magical, spiritual way that respects and protects the natural world in all its beauty.
This promises to be an evening of scintillating conversation, fascinating insights into the history and practises of druidry and practical ways in which we can all re-engage with nature and find enchantment in these trying times.
Eimear Burke lives in Kilkenny, Ireland and has a private practice as a counselling psychologist. Her interests in druidry and psychology have led her to act as a celebrant, helping people to design and enact meaningful rites of passage. She has a deep love of the ancient Irish tales and has a passion for storytelling.
For thirty-two years Philip Carr-Gomm was chief druid of OBOD. Philip is a writer and psychologist, and is now involved in the Institute of Psychosynthesis and the Synthesis Institute, where he works in the integration programme for participants involved in research into the use of psilocybin for the treatment of depression.