Gruffydd y Dryw

Hello Jonathan, I am a Druid and a Celtic Polytheist. First of all, just let me say I am speaking only for myself and not all Polytheists, nor all Druids. In my personal experience most Polytheists are unconcerned whether others believe in the Gods or not. Most Polytheists have no commission or mandate to proselytize; most Polytheists do not claim their Gods are the only Gods or that their way is the only way. I offer no irrefutable claims of physical proof that would satisfy a scientific study. I cannot tell you how much a God weighs, or how many Gods can dance on the head of a pin. For me, my Gods are real because I am here. My Gods are considered divine ancestors, so then I would not exist if they did not. Whether Beli Mawr was a God, a giant, an ancient king, a warrior, or a simple huntsman, there was a Welsh/Brythonic ancestor who was the progenitor of my father's line. Similarly, whether Nuada was a God, a king, or a simple farmer, there was an ancient Irish/Gaelic ancestor who was the progenitor of my mother's line. In my own lifetime I have seen legends grow up around family members I personally knew, but that doesn't mean the actual person who was the inspiration for the tale never existed. Now as to whether the spirits of my ancestors continue on and watch over me or assist me in my daily life, again, I can offer no scientifically measurable proof. But thinking that they do provides me comfort. So my ancestors have a positive effect on my life in that way if in no other. Yours under the swaying palms, Gruffydd y Dryw /|\

Merry Equinox, Today is the Vernal Equinox and the First Day of Spring. In the Druid tradition it is called Alban Eiler or "Light of the Earth." I hope it is a happy time for everyone of all faiths Yours under the swaying palms, Gruffydd y Dryw /|\

Hello all, This Sunday is the Spring Equinox, which Druids celebrate as Alban Eiler or "Light of the Earth." So here's wishing a Happy Spring to everyone, including your families and friends as well Bendithion (Blessings), Gruffydd y Dryw /|\

Hi Pete , I certainly agree that the majority of faith healing is bogus. But I have seen faith healing work to benefit people more than standard medicine alone (but not instead of standard medicine) or in cases where standard medicine has exhausted its methods. I am a Reiki master and some of what I saw may be along the same lines as energy healing of which I am a proponent. But I am willing to concede that in many cases of faith healing the truth may lie somewhere between placebo effect and strengthening someone's willpower to fight the illness. Of course hucksterism is also rampant as well

Hi Jonathan , No one can say you aren't paying attention I have many relatives who are evangelical Christians that want nothing that smacks of Paganism or idolatry in their home but have wall calendars honoring Tiw's Day (Tuesday) , Woden's Day (Wednesday), Thor's Day (Thursday), and Frigg's Day (Friday) BTW, I loved your Buddhist quote.

Hi Pete , Please forgive me; I did not mean to imply I was questioning what you said. I have no doubt you encountered those things. My experiences were at a Southern U.S. Pentecostal church in the 1970's and 1980's. The same church that taught homosexuality was a form of demon oppression or possession and wanted to cast the demon out when I was fifteen. They believed in the reality of angels and demons, faith healing, and prophesying. I left Christianity behind as a teenager over the issues of homosexuality and the concept of Hell Bendithion (Blessings), Gruffydd y Dryw /|\

Thank you, Jonathan, That was very insightful

I was raised as a Pentecostal, and I remember there was still a stigma of being associated with the snake handlers who were also Pentecostals. But we were always taught that picking up a snake was not an act of faith but tempting God (as in Dan's quote). We believed in faith healing and other miraculous things, but we did not believe if someone didn't get better it was due to a lack of faith. We were taught that God has a plan, and while we may not understand it there was a reason for it. Of course as a teenager I left Christianity behind, but this story just reminded me of things I had encountered in my youth. BTW, although I am not a Christian, I would mention I have seen faith healing in action, and it is not always bogus Bendithion (Blessings), Gruffydd y Dryw /|\

Hi Jonathan , Even among Druids, Witches, and Pagans there are those who follow some Eastern concept of a Divine All instead of following the gods of their ancestors. Others worship Nature in a generic sense but do not honor the old gods. Some are even Atheist or Agnostic but are attracted to other aspects of adopting a modern Pagan path. I'm afraid that some see those of us who follow the old gods as an anachronism not worthy of the current age. But for now we still remain, like the last of Tolkien's elves in Middle-earth (or perhaps more like Gandalf and the Istari ). Bendithion (Blessings), Gruffydd y Dryw /|\

I agree. I am a polytheist, and the chart does not take into account the nature of the god or gods implied. I believe in spirit entities and ancestral spirits that could be labeled gods from a polytheistic or an animistic viewpoint. But I do not believe in a Supreme Being or any entity comparable to the Judeo-Christian God who would possess the attributes that god is usually given by his followers (omniscience, omnipotence, etc.). I also do not like the 100% certainty. I do believe what I believe, but I do not claim to know anything with 100% certainty. I just feel that this chart is simply the equivalent of a Cosmopolitan magazine relationship quiz, and meant more for entertainment than actual use Bendithion (Blessings), Gruffydd y Dryw /|\

Reminds me of the lyrics to the Monkees' song "Daily Nightly" (written by Mike Nesmith): "Darkened rolling figures move through prisms of no color, Hand in hand, they walk the night, but never know each other, Passioned pastel neon lights, light up the jeweled traveler Who, lost in scenes of smoke filled dreams find questions, but no answers."

According to the chart, I would have to say I am a Gnostic Theist. I do believe there are gods, but I do not, however, believe in God as a Supreme Being Bendithion (Blessings), Gruffydd y Dryw /|\

Hi SisterSalome, Druids were the Pagan priests and scholars of the ancient Celtic people. Modern Druidry (as Druidism is referred to in many UK based groups) is a combination of Celtic Pagan beliefs coupled with a reverence for Nature: https://druidnetwork.org/what-is-druidry/ The Druid Network is one of many Druid groups, some of the other major ones being The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids, the British Druid Order, and A Druid Fellowship (Ar nDraiocht Fein). The Druid Network was founded by Emma Restall Orr, former Co-Chief of the British Druid Order and a well known Pagan author on the subject of Druidry. It holds the distinction of being the first Pagan group to be recognized as a religion by the UK government. The Order of the Yew is the "dark heart" or spiritual source of The Druid Network. It is a closed order consisting of usually experienced Druids who have made a formal dedication to follow the Druid path. https://druidnetwork.org/ https://druidnetwork.org/about-the-druid-network/the-order-of-the-yew/ other Druid sites: The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids: http://www.druidry.org/ The British Druid Order: http://www.druidry.co.uk/ A Druid Fellowship: https://www.adf.org/ As with Christianity, there can be a wide variation in Druid beliefs. I am a Celtic polytheist, but there are also duotheists and monotheists who follow a Druid path. Some revere Nature in general without acknowledging a deity at all. While I consider Druidry to be a Pagan religion unto itself, there are others who consider Druidry to be a philosophical path (like Rosicrucianism or Freemasonry) and study Druidry along side their practice of Christianity or other faiths. If you have any specific questions please feel free to ask Bendithion (Blessings), Gruffydd y Dryw /|\

Hi SisterSalome , Some people are involved with other groups in addition to the ULC. I am a member of the The Druid Network and The Order of the Yew, so there are times when I may post there but not have time to post here too. I also work 40+ hours a week, and I might go a few days without posting. Sometimes I don't get involved in discussions because I don't feel as if I have a "dog in the fight." Many discussions are regarding Judeo-Christian themes and are not relevant to my religion since I am a Pagan. It's not that I feel uncomfortable or unwelcome to post on Christian topics. If I have something to add I will chime in. And of course there are those ministers who become ordained as a lark, or for the purpose of performing a particular wedding ceremony and then lose interest. Another factor could be fear of negative reactions. I am out as a Druid and Celtic Pagan at work and home, but others may not feel comfortable openly expressing their religious beliefs. Then there are also times when I am delayed in posting because I'm catching up with Teen Wolf and The Vampire Diaries Bendithion (Blessings), Gruffydd y Dryw /|\

Well, I'd like to think so. Of course in my religion no one is perfect, not even our gods

Today is the Celtic Pagan festival of Imbolc. Being a Welsh based Druid, I call it Gwyl y Canhwyllau, or the Festival of the Candles. But whether you call it Imbolc, Candlemas, or Groundhog's Day, I hope everyone has a good one

But the plot thickens. My pseudonym is just the Welsh spelling of my real name combined with the Welsh word for Druid (y Dryw) Although I guess the grave thing doesn't really apply since I am a Druid. I should be able raise myself from dead without too much effort. If that doesn't work I just have to wait until Halloween when dead Celts have their get out of the Underworld free card

I did, being a high ranking member of the Illuminati through my association with various Druid orders, but I was sworn to secrecy. If you look at the original painting of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci it will become clear. Peter has a grey beard like Santa. The Santa Maria was the largest of three ships supposedly used by Columbus to discover "America." Jesus and the disciples are all eating bread. It is white bread in the form of dinner rolls which are round. White and round like the full moon. They are all obviously Muslim terrorists because most of them have beards but don't have blonde hair and blue eyes. The final clue is that all of them are wearing dresses. Clearly being gay is to be inferred since not one of them has the decency to wear pants. Mystery solved. I'm just glad this finally came to light so I didn't have to take this secret with me to my grave

Hi Cuchulain, No criticism was intended towards you on my part. Its just the nature of language. Words sometimes convey meanings that may not match their original intended use. Look up an older definition of the word "gay" versus what it has come to mean today I understood how you meant the word. It is the word itself that I find problematic, not your use of it

First of all, I do believe in the supernatural as the word is meant. But, echoing Jonathan's sentiment, I agree the term is somewhat problematic because if something does indeed exist then it would be part of Nature too (although perhaps not readily understandable). I personally do not believe that the existence of the supernatural implies the existence of a deity or deities or that its absence negates the presence of a deity. I am a polytheist and do not have a Supreme Being. Although I do communicate with "gods" they are more like deified ancestors and not omnipotent or omniscient. I have had psychic premonitions, miraculously survived brushes with certain death, and have had illnesses and injuries resolved through spiritual healing. But none of these events require the presence of a god or gods. Psychic premonitions could be a innate ability of a person's mind without requiring an external deity. Some agency caused me to automatically change lanes in a split second preventing me from crashing into an out of control semi on a rainy day. I did not have time to think or react but my hands moved of their own accord. It could have been my subconscious, or perhaps my higher self if I wanted to wax metaphysical. Even if my hands were under the control of an external influence, it doesn't mean that it was "Jesus" or any other god who took the wheel. It could have been possession by a ghost, extraterrestrial mind control, or assistance from a rank and file angel without involving any deity at all. As for spiritual healing, It could be the manipulation of my own energy by the healer without the need of intercession by a deity. On the other hand, (although I do not personally believe in a Supreme Being) if one uses the divine clockmaker as an example of deity, the lack of supernatural intervention does not indicate the absence of a deity. A Supreme Being could have just set everything in motion and walked off to let the Universe run itself. Just my personal opinions. I certainly don't claim to have all the answers, or I would have won the Powerball the other day

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you all have a wonderful 2016

Hello Apu Adman, Welcome to the Forum

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone at this time of year, whatever your holidays may be