Druidrism

Druidism, also known as Druidry, is a modern spiritual or religious movement inspired by the ancient Celtic Druids.

There are several forms of Druidism, including:

  1. Historical Druidism: An attempt to reconstruct the beliefs and practices of the ancient Druids based on historical and archaeological evidence.

  2. Neo-Druidism: A modern form of Druidism that emerged in the 18th century, drawing on Romanticism, Freemasonry, and other esoteric traditions.

  3. Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism: A movement that seeks to reconstruct the pre-Christian beliefs and practices of the Celtic peoples, including Druidism.

  4. Eclectic Druidism: A form of modern Druidism that incorporates elements from a variety of spiritual traditions, such as Wicca, Shamanism, and Buddhism.

  5. Ár nDraíocht Féin: A modern Druidic organization founded in 1983 that seeks to create a contemporary, public form of Druidism that is both spiritual and ecologically conscious.

These different forms of Druidism vary in their beliefs and practices, but all draw on the ancient wisdom and spirituality of the Celtic peoples.

Druidism is not recognized as a constituted religion in any country. While there are organizations and communities that practice modern Druidry, it is not an official religion in the legal sense. However, Druidry is recognized as a religion by some countries for the purposes of granting religious exemptions, such as allowing Druids to perform legally binding weddings or access sacred sites. The recognition of Druidry as a religion varies by country, and it is often grouped together with other pagan or nature-based religions.

Ár nDraíocht Féin, also known as ADF, is a modern Druidic organization founded in 1983 by Isaac Bonewits, an American Neopagan author and priest. ADF is one of the largest and most well-known Druid organizations in the world, with members and groves (local groups) in several countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.

ADF's mission is to "research, develop, and promote public rituals and educational programs that foster a greater understanding of our place in Nature and the spirit world, and to facilitate communication and co-operation between all forms of Neopaganism and the general public." ADF places a strong emphasis on scholarship, with a focus on Indo-European mythology, archaeology, and comparative religion.

ADF's ritual practice is based on a liturgical system known as the Core Order of Ritual, which is a standardized format for public ritual that emphasizes the honoring of the Earth Mother and the Kindred (the Gods and Goddesses, Ancestors, and Nature Spirits). ADF's liturgy is designed to be adaptable to a variety of cultural contexts, with rituals often drawing from multiple Indo-European traditions.

ADF is also known for its dedication to environmentalism and social justice. The organization encourages members to participate in community service projects and activism efforts, and supports causes such as LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, and environmental conservation.

Overall, Ár nDraíocht Féin is a vibrant and diverse organization that provides a welcoming and inclusive community for individuals interested in Druidry and Neopaganism.

There are several Druid organizations in Europe that promote the study and practice of Druidry. Here are a few examples:

  1. The Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD) - Based in the UK, OBOD is one of the largest Druid organizations in the world. The organization offers a distance learning program that covers the three grades of Druidry: Bard, Ovate, and Druid.

  2. The Druid Network - Founded in 2003, the Druid Network is a UK-based organization that aims to promote Druidry as a religion and spiritual practice. The organization offers resources and support for Druids and hosts events throughout the UK.

  3. The Henge of Keltria - Based in the United States but with members in Europe, the Henge of Keltria is a Druid organization that draws inspiration from Celtic mythology and the wisdom of the ancient Druids. The organization offers a distance learning program and supports local groves.

  4. The Order of the White Oak - Based in France, the Order of the White Oak is a Druid organization that aims to revive and promote the spiritual and cultural heritage of the ancient Celts. The organization offers a distance learning program and hosts events throughout France.

  5. The Druid Fellowship - Based in the Netherlands, the Druid Fellowship is a modern Druid organization that promotes the study and practice of Druidry as a spiritual path. The organization offers resources for Druids and hosts events throughout the Netherlands.

These are just a few examples of the many Druid organizations in Europe that offer resources, support, and community for individuals interested in Druidry.

There are no registered Druid organizations in Croatia. However, there are several groups and individuals who are interested in Druidry and Celtic spirituality.

One group that is focused on Celtic spirituality in Croatia is the Gorski Kotar Celtic Festival, which is an annual event held in the town of Delnice. The festival features workshops, lectures, music, and other events focused on Celtic culture and spirituality.

There is also a group called "Družina Plamenog Duda" (The Clan of the Fiery Bagpipe), which is a group of individuals who are interested in traditional music and dance from the Balkans and other regions. While they are not specifically a Druid organization, they incorporate elements of Celtic music and dance into their performances.

Finally, there are individuals who practice Druidry and Celtic spirituality in Croatia, but they may not be organized into formal groups or organizations. These individuals may connect with Druid groups in nearby countries, such as Slovenia or Austria, or they may practice on their own or with a small group of friends.

It's important to note that while there may not be any registered Druid organizations in Croatia, there are still individuals and groups who are interested in Druidry and Celtic spirituality. It's possible that a new organization may form in the future as interest in these topics continues to grow.

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