WHY DRUIDISM IN THE 21TH CENTURY?

There are a number of good reasons some modern people consider Druidry a valid spiritual path and cultural way of life for today. Some see it as a way to reconnect, or "ground" themselves in history, or to improve their understanding of their origins and ancestors (if they are of Celtic descent). Some are attracted by the relationship with the natural world that a Druid cultivates, or by the artistic, creative methods used to build that relationship.

It is thought by many that the loss of the old ways of living, close to the living Earth and close to our tribes, is responsible for the social and environmental problems we face today, so a return to the old ways will be a healing force in the world in this life and time. Druidism today is not an abandonment of technology, nor is it a rejection of society. It is not a retreat from the world into an illusory garden of delight where problems need not be faced. Rather, it is an affirmation of our needs in this life, and an energetic attempt to take power over them.

There are those who choose Druidism over more conventional Western religions that are more accepted and widespread, such as Christianity. An exploration of Druidism is for many people a revival of one of Western Europe's indigenous spiritualities. Many seek Asatru to revive Northern Europe's spirituality for much of the same reason. To those who feel alienated or harmed by Christianity, and such people are many, and who still believe religion has a place in their lives, Celtic spirituality is a viable, and healthy alternative.

Finally, there are those who choose Druidism over other forms of neo-paganism, or over other religions imported from other parts of the world, such as Hinduism and Buddhism. Perhaps a reason for this is because Druidism is indigenous to Europe. It was created and developed by Europeans in the Celtic territories, and while there were influences from the spiritual ideas of cultures in Europe and the Near East, the Druidic spirituality is unique and native to Europe. There are also special variations of Druidic thought and practice that are unique to each of the Celtic nations. Some of these continue to exist as folk traditions in various parts of western Europe, and so the revival of Druidry has a familiarity about it for European and European-descended people which other spiritual traditions may not have.

Druidry today is also the subject of academic study. It is often of interest to archaeologists, historians, and mythology-scholars who don't consider themselves Druids, or even remotely pagan. Thus, there is a wealth of serious academic material available concerning the Druids, and many discover Druidism through it.

While there is no doubt that the standards of living and the lifestyles we lead have changed incredibly since the age of the Celts, and even within each of our lifetimes, the human needs for understanding, communication, companionship, and even empowerment have not changed. To questions about human life, the age of the answer has no bearing upon its truth. The solution is not more right or more wrong for being old or new. Thus we continue to be illuminated by history, and we continue to create history.