The Druid Virtuous Life

[Forest Breath]

When speaking of virtues in this thread, I am specifically talking about the 9 virtues discussed by the ADF in regards to Druidry and how they effect ones life spiritually. In addition, how growth in such virtues can improve ones overall spirituality.

The Nine virtues I speak of are: wisdom, piety, vision, courage, integrity, perseverance, hospitality, moderation and fertility

In writing my essays for the Dedicant Program this year, I was able to discover a lot about myself, but most of all that ones perception is not necessarily another's reality. I was surised not only at the virtues I need to improve upon, but the ones I feel the strongest in.

For instance, moderation is something that should be realitively easy, but if you think in depth of the ways in which you must show moderation, it becomes a bit more complicated. I can easily moderate things such as food and alcohol intake, be moderate in how I dress and my overall outward appearance through the physical and verbal. So at a glance I would feel I live a fairly moderate life....however in looking deeper, I discovered there are areas in which moderation should improve in my life. I need to moderate myself in my studies and work. If I do not keep those things in check, I find that I have been buried in a book or essay for days without spending time with those who are a part of my life. If I am working on a project at work that I desire to complete to the best of my ability, I tend to work overtime for days in a row to complete the project...often threatening my health status in doing so.

I use to feel virtues were just an added bonus. If people displayed these virtues, the Nine discussed in ADF regarding Druidry, it was a nice plus but not needed to live a fulfilled spiritual life. As I advance in my studies, I have found this not to be the case. And as I continue and grow, I am able to see in others where their virtuous strengths lie and the other areas in which they could improve.

How has this helped me personally? Spiritually?

As I walk this current Path in my life, I have found more peace than I thought possible. I have found strength in areas I had not before. I have not only grown in knowledge, but I feel my improvements in the virtues have enhanced my studies and gave me the mental encouragement to seek more knowledge and improve myself as a person. As I draw closer to completing the program and will soon be the G. O. for my own Protogrove through ADF, I can honestly say the Path itself has complimented me as a person and I do feel being as virtuous as possible (with still room to grow) has helped me in many spiritual ways. It is like trying to cook a gourmet meal in a filthy kitchen. If you clean it up, organize it and then start your meal....the foundation itself is there for success.

I am not sure how many Druids lurk around here or people familiar with the ADF, but feel free to comment as I will also be posting comments on individual virtues as time passes.

[Forest Breath]

"Religious persecution may shield itself under the guise of a mistaken over-zealous piety" - Edmund Burke


"Piety requires us to honor truth above our friends" - Aristotle

This is merely one example of how virtues meet and work as a group. Piety is necessary in MOST belief systems. Without moderation though, it can destroy itself.

I practice Piety with daily devotions at my altar. I do my best to honor the Gods/Goddesses in my daily life. I hold rituals on the Nine high days and do other thing in my life in regards to piety.

Some may see these things as simple and mundane and so easily done that they cannot be seen as true piety. It often happens that we get caught up in the routine and ritual that there is no feeling involved. In addition, there is no work involved as well. I did nto make things quiet so easy on myself when it came to my home shrine. I tried to challenge myself to test my dedication to piety. Rather than place a cozy, comfy shrine/altar ni my comfy/cozy home that is there for me to grab a quick meditation and devotion as needed in a comfortable temperature and no destractions, I chose to place my shrine outside. Now grant you I live on 28 acres of land and it is very secluded but...

as is required in this program, a diary of daily devotionals are needed for your home shrine essay. This does mean....daily. This also means....rain, sleet, snow or hail....daily devotionals should be "daily". I was curious to see my own reaction when it was time for my devotions and it was pouring rain and cold outside. I felt somewhat accomplished and pleased when it turned out to be my most beneficial and positive devotion to date. Enhanced by the rain, strengthened by the cold....as I lit my candles and recited my devotions, it seemed so perfect, so real....so spiritual. I have since done devotions when the ground was frozen, below freezing temps outside, more rain, wind, etc. I thought ahead and chose candle holders that would withstand the weather in such conditions and the incense burner as well. It works perfect for me and my devotions there fulfill me need for them. I have no regrets with this. I am glad I challenged myself.

I hope I never reach a day when I must take a step back and moderate my piety as not to reach that level that Edmund Burke spoke of.

[Ci Celli Ddu]

This is the kind of namby-pamby neo-druidic let's-all-wear-flowers-in-the-morning-sun type of bubonic paganism that really gets on my goat. People who think that they are druids should be made to learn how to compose an awdl (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awdl) after learning the ancient Celtic custom of head collecting and preservation, and the surviving Celtic tradition of casual violence. Piety was about as necessary to a druid as a two-legged horse.

[Talkingfox]

This is the kind of namby-pamby neo-druidic let's-all-wear-flowers-in-the-morning-sun type of bubonic paganism that really gets on my goat. People who think that they are druids should be made to learn how to compose an awdl (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Awdl) after learning the ancient Celtic custom of head collecting and preservation, and the surviving Celtic tradition of casual violence. Piety was about as necessary to a druid as a two-legged horse.


I'm with you there....although I ABHOR casual violence. One really should wear a tie.....

[Dragon]

*considers barfing, but picks out a nice tie instead...something purple and silky...)*

Wait a sec...what if one is vegetarian druid...does one pick one's carrots with a war scream? Or does one perhaps slay apples and hang their rotten cores on sticks to frighten off the vengeful and murderous tubors that creep through the underworld deep in the night.....?


~D~

[Ci Celli Ddu]

Wait a sec...what if one is vegetarian druid...does one pick one's carrots with a war scream? Or does one perhaps slay apples and hang their rotten cores on sticks to frighten off the vengeful and murderous tubors that creep through the underworld deep in the night.....?


Who knows? Perhaps they collect Potato Heads instead?

[Talkingfox]

Coool ....I wanna be the one to decide where to put the eyes....and whos