AboutJason Expertise I can answer general questions about most forms of modern Paganism, including, but not limited to Wicca, Asatru, Druidism, various African based paths, and eclectic general Neopaganism. I can also help a person to construct simple spells for various purposes, provided that they are ethical. I may be able to offer some advice on how to find your own niche in Neo-paganism. I look forward to your email.
Experience I grew up in a metaphysical household. Also I have been studying extensively Neo-paganism for about 10 years now.
Organizations W.E.B. The Witches Education Bureau.
Question Hi, I've recently become interested in Druidism and i've been looking on the internet trying to find a good place to start but i'm having a lot of troubles. I'm particularly having a problem with The Goddess. I just don't know where to begin with worship and other aspects. I'm not really into magic yet and don't know if i will be. I come a very VERY Christian family and just researching Goddess rather than God was a task! Any help in the right direction would be lovely. Can you offer a way to worship the Goddess? What's this i hear about spirit guides and what-not? Does one have to have a patron god or goddess?
Any help would really be Great.
Thank you,
Heather
Answer Dear Heather,
Hello and thank you for contacting me. You have certainly asked a lot of questions in one lol! That's ok. I think that I can help you. There are many different kinds of druidism and there would be too many to list in one email. The two most popular branches are ADF and the OBOD. They both have a different idea of what Druidism is. Also the people have differing view points within their own tradition so it can be a daunting task. Some believe in many goddesses and gods rather than one with many aspects. The God and Goddess philosophy is much more prevalent in Wicca than in Druidism but it does exist in the druid movement as well. Anyway I would suggest that you start reading those two popular branches who's websites are:
Also if you can order the book I highly suggest that you read the book, "Bonewits's Essential Guide to Druidism" by Isaac Bonewits. He is the founder of ADF but he lists pretty much all of the differing kinds of Druidism and he does in it in a non biased way. Personally speaking, Isaac is one of my favorite authors.
Now that you've gotten your start, let me tackle your other questions. Spirit guides is a metaphysical belief that there are spirits that are around you who guide you in your life whether you know it or not. They may do this for a number of reasons. It could be that guiding you helps them evolve or they are simply very compassionate. They can be people who have once lived or not. The concept it very popular in the religion of Spiritualism as well as in various New age, or new age influenced beliefs. Some people in various modern day Pagan practices this and some do not. As far as having a patron god or goddess, no you do not have to have one. Patron gods are a very personal thing and you can honor which ones you wish without them being your patron. After being on your path for some time, you may find yourself being drawn to a particular god/dess and a patronage can develop. There is no rush and it doesn't happen for everybody so don't worry about it too much. Anyway, I hope that this helps and good luck on your spiritual path.
