Druii is the singular form of Druid (Plural) but I as did this Author often use the more accepted common form of "Druid" for both.
As I have tried to make clear in my muddled way the "Druid Ley Way" Course I have embarked on to write and you to study. Is not any given Order's Druid Dogma, not even my own. But more of a tour down the Ley Ways of lost Druidic history. With me as Summerland's quill and your humble guide.
For me being Druii has for so long in this life been a state of being (in and out of the physical World at the same time) perhaps a bit like Schroeder's Cat. Not a written script ready to put to Lip or network for others to Follow or Fail.
So trying to Pin the Dew on a hot afternoon is yes hard for me, that for you I may share its cool Magick.
Yet Summerland's Oak knows how poor a Tool it has and has granted to me the Written leaves of others long turned to dust and their bones to stone.
And I will share well from these wells dug just a few hundred years ago but reaching deep springs of our ancient Druid wisdom and ways. And like fine wines the waters from each may be very different colors taste and ambiance. Yet each brings to the mind's eye a glimpse of Land Ley and Sun from so long ago.
For lesson DLW-005 we shall look at what a Druii was and still can be from the words of James Kennedy 1785-1851 in "The Druid a series of Miscellaneous Essays, published in 1812 "
No. I. The Seer of Glen-Myvyr, a tale, illustrative of
ancient lore, and diversified by the incidents.
For a narrative. I will bold areas of special interest and use italics for in-line comments. This will be a on going project so recheck it from time to time.
Although this Essay is only 15 small pages, I believe it will keep the Serious Dedicant busy for some time. I can only add that of the pearls of wisdom here, I have also seen worn by other Books and Authors I respect. But like cheese truth and good taste is in the nose of the beholder.
TDK / The Druid King
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(You can expect some OCR errors in the text only version that I am using. Please Download scanned PDF {will work better than Ebook for this} book to clarify. Book was done in side by side pages so titles was across both, this makes them look out of place in serial page form. I will correct some OCRE's as I use it.)
THE DRUID. No. I.
"With sudden horror rock'd the trembling ground,
And distant thunder shook the vast profound,
When from a cave a venerable form
Stalk'd forth, announced by the preluding storm.
About his limbs a snowy garment roll'd,
Floats to the wind in many an ample fold ;
His brow serene a rich tiara bound,
And loose his silver tresses stream'd around.
In his right hand a golden harp declared
The sacred function of the Druid Bard."
Pye's Alfred, P. III. v. 143—152.
(Ref. http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/alfred-book-iii/)
Introduction
(Coming out of Closet or Woods for the Druii. How and how to behave in Druid's ways.)
WHEN the stranger is solicitous to obtain a favorable reception from that part of society among whom he aspires to be conversant, it is necessary that
his first appearance be divested of the character of intrusion by the recommendations of friendship, or by an ingenuous account of himself, accompanied by a candid avowal of his intentions.
Mankind, indeed, are generally impressed with a desire of knowing something
of those who present themselves to their notice, and propriety has rendered it necessary that an attempt should be made to gratify so laudable a curiosity.
On the present occasion, therefore, a prefatory address will be expected.
The Druid observes, with regret, that oblivion has nearly obliterated every memorial of his Order, even in the land consecrated, of yore, by the
celebration of their ancient rites.
He also feels that he is unknown among the progeny of a people, who reverenced his forefathers as the faithful instructors that inculcated those sublime lessons which elucidate the origin of being, the economy and organization of objects, the duties of society, and the rules and institutions affecting the interests and independency of Man.
(What we were and for some still are as Druii)
He (She also anywhere you read He) honestly avows, however, that he is most desirous of acquiring the attention of his compatriots to the subjects of his diversified studies, while he pledges himself that his utmost efforts shall be exerted to win their approbation, support, and esteem.
But he will leave the tendency of his simple doctrines to unfold the motives
which have induced him to renounce the obscurity of a peaceful seclusion, and to develope the views by which he has been prompted to assume a character that will lead him to encourage and applaud the actions of the virtuous, and to point out, to disapprobation and infamy, the conduct of the worthless and the bad.
(Yes a Druid is of Social Action still even if crown does not longer bend a knee)
To accomplish this purpose, he will endeavour to maintain an appropriate character, and this will include that of a moralist, a monitor, and a minstrel.
He will, therefore, offer to the attention of the public, as the subject
of the present theme.
(Yes you could call it a Moral Obligation or even a Oblation as I dislike term Moral Code for Druid)
THE RESPONSE
SEER OF GLEN-MYVYR.
Gwvthon was the son of Doeth, presider in the circle of Bel *
In Glen-Myvyr, within the bosom of the Caledonian hills, was raised the mystic temple of the Divinity, and the abode of the sage stood in an adjacent dale.
On a green sloping eminence, a circle of gray stones marked out the consecrated ground.
It was surrounded with lofty oaks, the thick foliage of which threw around it a solemn shade. Not distant were heard the murmurs of a mountain stream.
The spot was wild and sequestered ; but it was lovely, interesting, and serene.
It solemnized the soul, and fostered contemplation. Youth delighted to ramble amid its shadowy glens, and age to meditate upon the knotted roots of its
moss grown trees, or in the peaceful retreats of its secluded caves.
In this solitary haunt of peace and innocence, the childhood of Gwython passed away. His youth was a gently-flowing stream of happiness and tranquillity.
It was the season of lore and of glee.
The initiatory rites of Barthrin -J-, at length, gave to his eager hands the harp of melodious song.
{ * Bel. — Many of the primitive nations directed their adorations to
the Supreme Being, under the name Bel, Beli, or Baal, in honour of
whom they observed the first of May as a high festival.
J Barthrin denominates the mysteries of Bardism, or the gradations of tuition preparative to the confirmation of a novice in the character of an approved Bard.}
Upon its strings soon trilled the warblings of joy, while his swelling voice arose in praise of the chiefs of Alban. The minstrelsy of valour, of patriotism, and
of truth were the delight of his rising years ; and it became the charm and the solace of his ripening age.
With the burst of day would his matin hymns melt among the mountain echoes; and, as the dew, his grateful strains steal symphonious to those of the
nightingale, lone harbinger of eve, and the mellow harmonist of the star-bright hour.
It was even. The sun was sinking in the west ; and his ruddy beams were flitting on the darkening hills. The breeze was playful and cool, and scented by the fragrance of flowers. Genial was the air, and sweet, exhilarating the spirits, while health sported on the wings of the gale. Upon the rustling boughs were
perched the songsters of the wood ; and echo, in melodious responses, replied to their warbles of love.
The fields were loaded with the bounty of Nature, and richly variegated by the golden tints of autumn. The scene was all-grateful and charming, when the son of Doeth was entering the Vale of Myvyr. Slowly he penetrated into the thicket of a silvan dell, and traced the secret windings of his dusky path.
Pensive and serene, he strode along, in silence, ruminating on the changes of things and of man. When he pondered the past he admired, and when he reviewed the scenes of departed times, he was delighted, as with the delusive
pictures of a morning dream.
(For unreformed Druids that perhaps remember to much and yet not enough we pause and often see our selves trapped in Man's Body, yet feeling a distant stranger to Mankind that we see around us.)
On the margin of a murmuring brook he beheld a stone, gray with age. It was the Stone of Celvan, the secret dweller, renowned afar for his wisdom in the
days of a distant age. He brushed the dew from its hoary sides. He sat down. Being soon lulled into solemn musing by the melody of the grove and the tinkling of the crystal rill, he sunk into contemplation, forgetful of all around him. He reflected on the brevity and vicissitudes of human life.
(Yes Druii do meditate and used nature's sweet voices to help)
A cloud of dubious sadness played upon his brow. His breast heaved with
emotion. He sighed. Raising an eye of devotion, with a mien of reverence, he exclaimed, " Father of Nature ! give me the power of judging aright,— grant me the knowledge of things !""
(The Druid's Third Eye ? --- Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Śrī Brahma-saḿhitā 5.38
I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is Śyāmasundara, Kṛṣṇa Himself with inconceivable innumerable attributes, whom the pure devotees see in their heart of hearts with the eye of devotion tinged with the salve of love.)
The sound of his voice had not died among the rocks, when a beam of light burst through the trees of the wood ; and a form stood before him. It was the
form of an adorer of Deon *, in the days of old. His countenance was calm and gentle, but majestic. In his left hand was the white rod of power : in his right,
the branch of health, and the harp of Barthgan -f-
A pure robe, the emblem of truth, covered his venerablehead ; and, pending from his shoulders, fell in flowing folds nearly to the ground.
(mythological figures wore five-fold cloaks)
{* Deon. — The ancient Celtic philosophers often applied this epithet
to the Deity. The term signifies, the distributer, the giver, he that
sets aright, with an allusion to the sovereign wisdom and power.
-j- Barthgan, the science of bardism, bardic song, poetry. — The
Arch-Druid, besides his other insignia, was distinguished by a long
white rod, or wand, which he carried in his hand, as an emblem of hit
office. — The branch of peace was the mistleto, or all-heal, a parasitic
plant, described by the Botanins under the name Visca.}
His mien was grand and awful, but it was courteous and amiable. With a
voice, sweet and solemn, he thus addressed the son of the chief of Glen-Myvyr :
" Son of the race of Alban !
thy desire is the desire of virtue, and thy prayer will be heard. Years have revolved, and generations past away, since the heads of the people first hearkened to my voice : but their abode is no longer with the sons
of men. They are now become gliders on the blue clouds, and their dwellings are in the land of souls. (Summerland / Astral realms ?)
Like thee I have been young, and have panted for knowledge, and the words of the wise were sweet in mine ears. Instruction is now offered thee. Adore the
Supreme. And, while attending to the voice of age* let the experience of departed times teach thee wisdom.
(know if you can the"Well of Was" google it)
Listen and admire, while I unfold to thy imitation the precepts of Derwythoni*, the faith of the men of Alban, before the race of Rhuvain had disturbed the peace of the sea-surrounded Isle.
" Pants the soul of Gwython for the hunter's fame, and the warrior's renown ;
or sighs it for the sweets of peace, the secrets of knowledge, and the lore of wisdom ? Let him be attentive to the maxims of the sage who have past away— of the good who have instructed the men of primeval times. They will teach the heart to know the intricacies of itself, and to adore the goodness and greatness of Deon, the Life of every Being, and the Source of every Thing. Know thy self son of Doeth, and thou shalt approach nearer to the knowledge of the mysterious One.
(Here lies the Knowledge of True Druidism, that which can not be taught yet can be learned. TDK and no I am not a Monotheist of any Bark or Root)
{* Derwythoni, the primeval theology, Druidism. — Rhuvain was the name given to Rome by the aboriginal Britons.}
" Is thy desire for the meed of song, the generous boon of Beli, splendid giver of worth and renown ? Let, then, thy ardent wish arise for the celestial Awen *, that its genial inspiration may pervade thy aspiring soul. Accustom thine eye to scan the exhibitions of Nature, expand thy heart to feel her influence, and cherish the magnanimity which can boldly dare to inculcate the maxims that Nature approves.
(There is no Druidism without Soul's Way and Summerland Stay. TDK)
For this purpose let thy thoughts be graceful, appropriate, and luxuriantly diversified, ennobled by vigour, fancy, and knowledge, and supported by learning, memory, and mental endowment. By complacency, ingenuity, and
originality, cultivate social acquaintance : and, by amiable conduct, skill in science, and pure morals, be thy aim to ensure praise. Let thy song be the faithful record of heroical achievements to prompt the people to illustrious feats of fame, a lay of ethical instruction painting the paths of virtue, and a harmonious formulary of the adorations of the tribes, when they acknowledge the beneficence of the Supreme, when they implore his gracious favour, and when they deprecate his wrath from offending men. Be it thy intention
and thy duty, to commend philanthropy, to benefit mankind, and to do the will of Deon, the best and most benevolent of beings, whose ways are the delight
of the wise, and whose goodness is the guardian of the upright and the valiant. Be thy practice the picture of thy doctrines, that they may win attention,
imitation, and applause ; and thus shall thine be a didactic strain to the roamers among Alban's hills of green.
{* Awen simply means, that endowment of the mental faculry which directs it to a particular object, but it is generally used by the ancient bards as signifying the Muse, the gift of poetry, consisting of genius, fancy, and taste.}
" While a parent's love watches over the opening of thy youthful mind, let its precepts excite within thy breast a desire for virtue. As the bosom of the tender
flower expands to imbibe the morning dew, so the heart uncloses itself to receive instruction from the lips of those it loves.
Truth is the fairest ornament of the young, and a beauteous crown on the head of silver hairs. Therefore scorn falsehood ; it is baneful and vile, and the vice of little souls. Fortitude is the noblest bias of the mind ; let it, therefore, be cherished with vehement desire, and endeared to the breast of pride.
It will guide thee, my son, through the storms of danger, and the mazes of difficulty. It will foster patriotism, the glory and the guardian of the land of
thy progenitors. Be rectitude the director of thy paths, and integrity the delight of thy bosom. Let not the stranger declare his name within thy dwelling, and be
thy abode a place of repose to the wanderer of the desert.
Respect the chiefs of the people, honour the men of years, and let the Ones * in white inspire thee with reverence. Let thy adorations arise on the rays of the morning sun, and thy homage ascend amid the beams of the west.
{* The Ones in white mean, those that presided in religion, the Druids, who wore white robes, emblematic of purity, virtue, and truth.}
So shall peace attend thy steps, and happiness be the solace of thy years, while a sojourner amid the dusky woodlands of thy native hills. Placid also shall be thy course to the land of bliss : no storm shall darken around thy departure, and the fair ones of delight shall hail thy approach towards the
high halls of the brave and virtuous, the ever-green bowers of the beauteous Ocean-Isle *."
The Bard now attuned his harp to the tones of his sonorous voice, and the loves of Aldrud and Vinvena, arose symphonious to the melody of its trembling strings. And thus it burst on the raptured ear of Gwython,\ while he gazed in admiration on the form of the Seer.
Aldrud, the son of Selwyn, was chief of Ahrinrt, land of the breezy hills. A hundred groves gave shade and beauty to his spacious valleys, all fair and fruitful, and washed by the waters of innumerous streams. Among the dales of his mountains browzed a thousand deer, and the caves of his rocks were the impervious retreats of the tusky boar. A hundred youthful chieftains followed his steps in the chase, or raised their steely lances beside the aged warrior in the deathful toils of the field. In his hall hung the shields of a countless race, amid the spoils of a thousand years. Strong was the arm of Selwyn, and his generous heart firm as the adamantine base of rocky Lumnion. But his soul, though stern in danger, would melt at the tale of woe, and his feet were swift to the relief of the unhappy, to the help of the feeble ones.
{* Ocean- Isle — The ancient Celtic theologues placed their paradise in an Island surrounded by tempests, and far removed into the Western Ocean. It was described as abounding with every object of desire and happiness, and named Flath-Innis, the Isle of the Noble Ones.}
As a young oak on the brow of a silvan height, so grew the son of the mighty Selwyn. His sire foresaw his renown, and exulted in the fame of his race. Fleet
were the feet of Aldrud on the rocks of roes, and daring his arm in the chase of the mountain boar. Proud beat his heart and high heaved his breast of desire,
when his left hand received the shield of Cadvan, and his right the ruddy lance of Rhuon. He sighed for the sound of war, and panted for glory on the crimsoned plain.
At the shrine of Beli his vows were heard ; and the first of his battles raised his name above those of little men. Beneath the warrior's sword sunk the mighty, and it was stained with the blood of the proud. Its flash was fleet and resistless as the lightning of heaven : before it fled the foes of the Land of Hills,
when the rage of the chief was terrible. From the fields of the slain he returned in triumph, while the sounding of his buckler was responded by the fierce
eagles of the sky. In the hall pf peace he listened to the lays of renown, and the mighty deeds of his arm arose in the song of bards.
But the soul of Aldrud heeded not the voice of praise : it was on other hills, in the streamy land of his love. The hero had seen Vinvena in all her charms,
and he loved the daughter of Hoen, the courteous lord of Bm-Londra's towery halls. His portly form and magnanimous soul assailed the heart of the gentle maid., and he became " the dweller of her secret sigh."
In the pride of youth, and flushed with exultant hope, the princely chief of Arthrin was hastening to the bowers of his bride. Around him were the youth
of his race, and he rejoiced in the strength of his land. Stately was his step along the side of the woody mountains, and majestic his mien as he strode through the lone valleys, by the margins of their floody streams, Upon his head gleamed a burnished helm, in his hand shone a deathful lance of steel, and upon his arm was braced the bossy shield of his sire. As a vigorous hart
brushes through the brakes of the wood, or adown the sloping sides of the heathy hills, to meet the bounding roe, the mate of his joyous youth, so the valiant AIdrud, hale and hopeful, hasted to the haunts of his
love. He hasted to the arms of Vinvena, to receive the fair of Din-Londra from her parent's hand.
To the hall of his love the hero came ; but silence reigned around it. The towers were blackened by fire and defaced with ruin. No voice was heard with-
in them, save that of the hollow wind murmuring in dismal moanings through their chinky walls. The courts were forlorn and dreary, for its chief had fallen
by the foemaifs guile, and his people were slain by the hand of the perfidious.
Sad grew the heart of Aldrud ; but it heaved with resentment. His cheek of love became red with rage, and his blue eye beamed with the blaze of ire. He struck his moony shield to arouse some dweller in secret, that his afflictive tale might
direct his course to the treacherous foe, and brace his brawny arm for vengeance.
Forth from the ruined pile came slowly a hoary man, bent with a load of years, and tottering over the staff of age. His silver tresses whistled in the gale of spring, and he sighed as he heavily moved along. Upon the youth he bent the
glistening eye of tears, while his faltering tongue detailed the ills of his lord, and the death of his people.
" From Lochlyifs * land the cruel rovers came. To the sea of storms they gave their black-bosomed ships, and their broad sails rattled amid the tempests of the foaming ocean. Bescreened in the darkness of night, and urged by the lust of blood, the ruthless prowlers sought Din-Londra's peaceful dwelling. As the eagle of heaven,fierce and remorseless, darts on his wareless prey, so
rushed the myrmidons to the deaths of thousands. Their savage yells resounded, drear and horrible, through the towers of our chief, and destruction stalked, triumphant, over the havoc of his lordly race. They consumed with fire the halls of heroes, and the blaze of a thousand trophies illumed the murky bosom of the midnight sky. Long ere the dawn arose, their blood-stained
vessels bounded on the face of the surgy deep, and their careering prows swept through the sea-green billows to the slaughter of the sons of other lands. —
" It is thine, O Father Deon " exclaimed the impassioned Aldrud, " to judge the right. Give thy inspiration to this breast, and invigorate this arm to
avenge the wrong— the wrong of innocence and the insult of love !" He said ; and with hasty steps retraced the lonely paths of the wild.
{* Lochlyn — >a name given to the regions on the shores of the Baltic.}
To the place of his fathers came the youth of the saddened soul, where he struck his responsive boss, and upraised the clang of war. His people knew the terrible alarm, and rushed from afar at the call of the valiant. In a hundred ships they dash through the reeling waves, nor heed the hissing of the tumultuous main. They seek Lochlyn of tempests, and their prows are
towards the land of the ruthless ones. Stern and musive, Aldrud stands ; he stands in silence amid the sons of the ocean. His thoughts are on the loves of Vinvena, while he sighs over the untimely fall of the maid.
Through the wavy billows of a sounding bay the hips of heroes glide to the gulfy shore. The leader of the throng bounds upon the foamy beach, beneath the lowering brow of a stupendous rock, and his warriors rank around him.
Boldly he scales the cliffy sides of the threatening steep, and with stedfast ken surveys from afar the woody vales of the stranger's land. The sons of his strength await below ; they see the daring of their lord, and glory in the fame of Arthrm's gallant chief. He gains the topmost peak of the hill of crags, and reposes from his toil on the side of a huge and hoary stone.
Anon, bursts upon his ear the hum of a distant crowd. It was a train of Lochlyn's sons, the votaries of bloody Odin *, conducting a victim, the lorn captive of war, to the Rock of Death. Serene and dreadless, on its fateful summit sat the youthful darer, and beheld the approach of the cruel. In front of the dreadful band was led a daughter of distress, and a hundred voices raised the song of blood.
But firm was the step of the devoted, and proud her lofty mien. Upon
the cold gale of the north danced her golden ringlets as, dauntless, she strode in the march of woe. She was doomed to atone for the sins of a hated race, to be precipitated to the dreary regions of Hela's dark domain.
{* Odin was the fierce war-god of the Northmen, who immolated human victims upon his altars, and adored him under many appellaions characteristic of his sanguinary nature. — Among the Scandinavians,, every family had its Rock of Execution, whence the aged, the diseased, the women, and the slaves, were hurled headlong, as victim * devoted to Hela, the hateful president of the infernal regions.}
(While Rome accused Druid-dom of Human Sacrifice and many of the West and new Three Humped God still do. We see here a reverse of roles and moral actions)
The hideous sight appalled the lonely chief as he bent his watchful eyes on the ruthless train. Firmer lie seized his quivering lance, and his sword of steel
shook in his wrathful grasp. The band of blood draw near. — As the lightning of the sky sweeps along the blue welkin and strews the forest in ruin, so rushed
Aldrud on the direful crowd. He beheld the thongs of the ignoble on the lily hands of Din-Londra's fair.
As the boar of the mountain shakes the oak in autumn and its spoils fall around, so sunk the bloody ones beneath the warrior's hand. His people hear the din of the conflict, and they haste to the harvest of fame. The ground is drenched with the gore of thousands, and the shouts of the triumphant arise. Before the brave of Arthrin flee the children of unholy Odin, and their carnage bestains the execrable precincts of his grove. Through its darksome shades crackles the vengeful fire, and consumes his fane of skulls. —
Proud in his gliding ship the generous Aldrud gives Din-Londra's daughter to the embrace of her sire. A song to the praise of Deon, the defender of the good, melts on the rustling air. With the voice of joy they hail the hills where their fathers dwelt.
They rejoice in the fame of their chief, and the harps of a hundred bards celebrate his heroism at the feast. — The tear of joy was in the eye of Vinvena when she sunk into the warrior's arms. Their name is high in Arthrin, and DinLondra's sons exult in the glory of the lovely.
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Still much research and decoding needed, a task for Student and Teacher too, as Druii is forever Student of the Ley and Summerland's Way. TDK
Feel the Bard's Call? Perhaps you to can be the "adorer of Deon" and put this tale to mind and heart. And for others play on Tongues Sweet Harp.
The Full book can be downloaded from here.
There will be a separate Blog with words and terms definitions from the work "The Druid a series of Miscellaneous Essays, by James Kennedy 1812 " Link will be added later after it is started.
Here is link to our Facebook "How to be a Druid" group. If you wish to ask questions on any "DLW" material or lessons please joint this Open Group
PS. place support this effort by giving Blogs sponsor ads a click as you use it. The few pennies help. Oh and I have no control over what ads come up. That is a Google thing.
TDK
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