Theosophical Society,
Glossary of Druidic Terms
Alban Arthan – the Druid festival of the
Winter Solstice, loosely translated as ‘The Light of Arthur’.
Alban Eilir - the Druid festival of the
Spring Equinox, loosely translated as ‘The Light of the Earth’.
Alban Elfed - the Druid festival of the
Autumn Equinox, loosely translated as ‘The Light of Water’.
Alban Hefin – the Druid festival of the
Summer Solstice, loosely translated as ‘The Light of the Shore’.
Awen(Welsh) – Inspiration, the gift or blessing
of the gods generally, or the Goddess Ceridwen,
Patroness of the Bards, specifically. Equivalent to Imbas (Irish).
Bard – in ancient times, a poet and storyteller who
trained in a Bardic college. In modern times,
one who sees their creativity as an innate spiritual ability, and who chooses
to nurture that ability partly or wholly with Druidism.
Beltane/Bealteinne– the Druid festival dedicated
to
celebrating Spring and the union of God and
Goddess.
Meaning ‘The Good Fire’, Beltane
celebrations
usually include leaping over a
bonfire.
Celebrated around 1st May in the
Northern Hemisphere, 1st October in the Southern.
Druid– in ancient times a philosopher, teacher, counsellor
and magician, the word probably meaning ‘A Forest Sage’ or ‘Strong Seer’. In
modern times, one who follows Druidry as their chosen
spiritual path, or who has entered the Druid level of training in a Druid
Order. DruidCraft–
a type of spiritual practice that combines Druidry with the ‘craft’ of Wicca, or when written with a
small ‘c’ can refer to the ‘craft’ of Druidry. Eisteddfod (plural Eisteddfodau)– A Bardic festival and
competition of the performing arts, from the Welsh, meaning ‘a session or
assembly’. Usually
opened with a Druid ceremony.
Equinox – the times in Spring and Autumn when
day and night are of equal duration. They represent times of balance and also
turning points of the year as the seasons change, and are celebrated in Druidry with ceremonies.
Fferyllt – Druid alchemists, said to have
lived in Snowdonia,
Nwyfre – the Druid term for ‘Life-force’, probably derived from an
ancient Celtic word ‘Naomh’ – firmament. Otherworld– The world or reality that exists
in parallel with the physical/everyday world, that we visit sometimes in dreams
or meditation, and that Druids believe we travel to on the death of the
physical body. Used synonymously with the term ‘Spiritworld’. Ovate– in ancient times a prophet, seer,
healer and diviner. In modern times, one who studies or practices herbalism, healing and divination within a Druidic context,
or who has entered the Ovate level of training within a Druid Order. Revival Druidry
or ‘The Revival Period’ – the time during the 17th, 18th
and 19th centuries when Druidism was rediscovered and reinvented. Samhuinn/Samhain–
the Druid festival of the Ancestors – a time for honouring
those who have died, celebrated around 1st November in the Northern
Hemisphere, 1st May in the Southern.
Solstice– the time in Summer when the day is
longest, and in Winter when the day is shortest. They represent times of powerful celestial
and terrestrial influence, and are celebrated in Druidry
with ceremonies. Spiritworld
– The world or reality that exists in parallel with the physical/everyday
world, that we visit sometimes in dreams or meditation, and that Druids believe
we travel to on the death of the physical body. Used synonymously with the term
‘Otherworld’. Summerlands/The
Blessed Isles/Hy Breasil –
terms used in Druidry for the realm that exists in
the Otherworld to which we travel on the death of the physical body.
Theosophical Society,