Reply #22: I used to date a Druid. I envied her for some of her training.

[johnaries]

Of course, she lied to me about some other things - such as having sex with another guy that I considered a friend before he moved in on my gf. But that's another matter.

She believes that Druids were never "extinguished", but went into hiding, and continued the most important teachings in secret. So she believes that the modern Druids are not a "new" movement, but the extension of the old Druid teachings thtat is finally being allowed to see the light of day.

I have always been drawn to Earth-based religions, trying to observe Nature and understanding it. Her training was to be totally immersed in Nature. Whereas I sought to understand the ways of a creek as a manifestation of that which we call God, she was taught to BECOME the creek.

Yes, Druids have a bad rep. Conquerors have the advantage of rewriting history to their advantage. Many people believe that the athame of Pagan tradition represents Human Sacrifice. But it simply represents the "harvest". Just as the sickle represents the harvest of grain, the athame represents the harvest of animal feedstock that would not have survived the winter, anyway.

Frankly, I have found Druids to be much more tolerant, understanding, and flexible than Christians.