The Bardic Tradition

After the fourth century A.D., with the coming of Christianity to Britain and Ireland, the philosophies, beliefs and traditions, of the Druids were preserved and maintained through the Bards, with their sacred poems, art and music. The Druid tradition, incognito in poems and music, was able to survive the Christian era, until the present time, when their full meaning can once again be seen, understood, and expressed.

In ancient as well as neo-druid tradition, there are three phases or levels of druid training. The first level, which in ancient times took at least twelve years in the druid colleges, was the bardic level. The bardic training focuses upon developing one's musical, poetic, and artistic abilities. In Druid tradition, the arts are seen as essential spiritual processes. A person must develop their artistic gifts before moving on to training as priest/priestess and teacher. The second level of Druid training is called Ovate, and is the level at which a person on the Druid path learns the priestly abilities and roles such as divination, healing, and ritual. Most people on the Druid path do not pass beyond the bardic level. Those most gifted enter into at least four years of training as priest/priestess. Most priest/priestesses never move beyond the ovate level. Those most gifted, are chosen to move on to at least four years of training at a Druid level. The Druid level is like a Ph.D., and is the level of teaching. A full Druid is all three. A Bard, a Priestess/Priest and a Druid Teacher.

In order to encourage our circle members to develop their Bardic talents, we are encouraging them to submit their artistic works to this website, so it can be shown to others. Our shamanic circles are filled with many artists and performers. The Druid / Shamanic tradition fits well with people of an artistic nature. We support and encourage each other's artistic and creative development.

Jehanah Wedgwood is co-facilitator for the Circle of the Sacred Yew (Five Shaman Circles) and has for over twelve years been the mistress of ceremonies of the open mike poetry readings which take place at Sacred Grounds Cafe, every Wednesday at 7:30 PM, at the corner of Hayes & Cole Streets. Jehanah is a druidess of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, and brings a bardic flavor to the poetry circle.

We recommend people check out the poetry circle which is part of Druidic tradition.

Click here to read a famous poem by Jehanah: Spirit of Liberated Woman


Poems by Maria Eintz:

1. A Name in Stone - (about the AIDS Grove)
2. Behind Locked Doors - (about the Monarch Bear Druid Grove)
   
   

Any members who would like to submit their creative work, please send an email to Rodney by clicking here.