Coifi - Stirring up a Cauldron

In about 2000, Chris formed the Druids of Albion, a new order in Scotland. The following are some of his thoughts about modern Druidry.

From: "Chris Turner" Date: Sun Jul 16, 2000 10:07 pm
Subject: Re: A question..
Emma Restall Orr wrote:
> Stirring up the cauldron ...

And such a big cauldron ........!

Hi Chris here -

Very difficult area, but please bear with me while I blunder about a bit. Druids of Albion have a different take on this as you might expect. The view I take, the words I hear, are these. That the structure of Druidry is more like a tree, with many branches from a common root and trunk. The way the DOA is/will be structured (we are very young and a longer way to go than I can see my way to tread) goes something like this.

The first Grade, the basic Grade, the Grade all full Members will achieve is that of Druid. This does not come at the end, it comes at the beginning. This is the basic ability to expand and connect with an awareness of the Universe, its origins and destiny, the celebration of the Eightfold Year, the internal Groves, history of Ancestor and Place and so on. This is enough in its basic form to allow the Druid to follow a Druidic lifestyle, and bring Druidy into hir world wherever s/he might be. This is the common knowledge and level of all Druid Grades.

If the appetite is there, the Druid may proceed to the next Grade, that of Druid Master. This looks at Druidry in reflection. It is moon- guided rather than sun-guided and takes the Dark Awen as its token. Only when the Druidic Dyad is complete, does the Druid move on to study one or more of the Seven Branches, the Druid Specialisms. These are-

Fferyllt (red)
Loremaster (orange)
Priest (yellow)
Bard (green)
Ovate (blue)
Healer (indigo)
Geomancer (violet)

Much of the rationale for this stems from my own experience and understanding of terms and terminology. In my days on the OBOD path, I studied the Bardic Grade, which has a lot of great stuff in it, but little or nothing to do with Bardism (that I could see). A few years later, I studied Fine Art at University. This, to me, seemed the soul of Bardism - to hear the Spirit and bring it into manifestation through the channels it was my gift to have some fluency in. This may be the graphic or plastic arts, music, dance, poetry, whatever. This Bardism is a very advanced and intense medium, and cannot easily be approached in a vacuum. I needed my grounding in thirty years of hedge Druidry and contact with OBOD and BDO to properly inform what I was doing. Trying to do Bardism without some sort of Druidic preparation seems to me to be doomed to mediocrity if not failure. My own experience told me that to be Druid comes first, only then are you properly prepared to be a Bard (or Healer, Priest or whatever). It doesn't work properly the other way round.

Bright Blessings,
Chris /|\

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Druidry

Hi everyone, Chris here -

I Anyway, the general gist was that being Druids, and thereby not obeying the same Rules of the Universe as everyone else, I reckon that Druid FAQs will more likely become Druid FGAs (Frequently Given Answers). Not actually HAVING a Druid Tradition as everyone else understands the term means, in my experience, that whenever you ask Druids about Druidry, you always seem to end up with far more answers than questions <G>!

Anyway, to get the ball rolling (and remember, it was YOUR idea!), here are the texts of a couple of pamphlets I keep handy for just such a situation as this. Of course I know that no-one can speak for other Druids, and I am sure that there will be just as much in here to disagree with as agree with, but that's all part of the wondrous Dance of Druidry!

WHAT IS DRUIDRY

Druidry is the British Native Spiritual Tradition. Druidry is the Song of the Divine Spirit that flows eternally through the fabric of the Island of Britain. It exists of itself. It was here before mankind first set foot on these shores and will remain long after Humanity has left this Earth to dwell amongst the stars.

The expression of Druidry is given form by those people of Britain who recognise and respond to this call of the Spirit; peoples of many races and many periods. The diverse people of Ancient Britain followed their Druidry in their own different ways, marking their sacred places by earthen banks or standing stones or groves of trees or in ways long forgotten, but all responded to the Divine Song.

During a thousand years of eclipse, the Song of Druidry was sung in the heart and in the quiet private places, by hearth and crib and woodland stream, and now bursts forth again like the first Spring flowers after the long icy night of Winter.

SOME DRUID BELIEFS AND DISBELIEFS

Druids believe in One Eternal, Divine Creator, whose attributes are Truth, Beauty and Goodness. These are reflected back from the physical Universe as Love, Harmony and Joy. Druids do not believe that such a Divine Spirit expresses itself in terms of Anger, Jealousy or Retribution.

Druids believe that the Divine Spirit dwells within all physical nature; animal, vegetable and mineral. Druids do not believe that the Universe is simply a mass of inert or inconsequential objects to be exploited and despoiled as the fancy takes us.

Druids believe that the Divine origins of the Universe will ultimately result in the return of all the Spiritual elements into a reunion with the Eternal Creator after countless developmental reincarnations. Druids do not believe in Hell or in some eternal banishment from the Divine Spirit due to human imperfection in a single make-or-break incarnation.

Druids believe that evil is a peculiarly human condition that has its origins in the fear that stems from ignorance or insecurity about our Divine origins and destiny. Druids believe that evil is eliminated by a conscious re-engagement with the Divine Spirit. Druids do not believe in an externally manifesting source of evil such as Satan,the Devil etc.

Druids believe that the duty of all created matter is to acknowledge its Divine origins and to express this belief through Love, Harmony and Joy.

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE DRUIDS

Do Druids believe in God?

Modern Druids recognise One Divine Creative Spirit, originating and supporting the whole of Creation. How about Gods and Goddesses? The presence or manifestation of the One Divine Spirit takes many forms and these may be interpreted as masculine or feminine by different people in different places and times. For example, most Druids regard the Earth as a living Goddess. This does not conflict with the concept of the One Divine Spirit.

Do Druids have a Holy Book?

Druids have no sacred texts. The Tradition is not governed by a set of written rules, ancient or modern.

How then, do Druids receive their Spiritual knowledge?

Druids believe that the Divine Spirit exists within all of Creation; animal, vegetable and mineral. All that exists contains the Divine and is therefore sacred. Druids train to access the Divine through the natural world as well as other recorded sources of wisdom.

Do Druids believe in the Devil?

No. Druids do not believe in an externally manifesting source of evil. Druids see no case for some outside agency being to blame for extreme anti-social human behaviour nor do they believe that such behaviour is the product of Divine predestination. Druids believe strongly in individual personal responsibility for ALL our actions, good or evil.

Didn't Druids go round sacrificing people?

The Romans were keen to justify their campaigns against the Celts and record them making sacrifices. Later Christian writers in Ireland make mention of Druids putting a stop to human sacrifice. We will probably never know exactly what happened so long ago, but sacrifice in any form, real or allegorical, plays no part in Druidry today.

So what happens when we die?

Druids have always believed that the soul is immortal with Druidry teaching a Western Tradition of reincarnation. Between and after incarnations, the soul is believed to dwell in the light of the Otherworld or Summerlands which is neither `above' nor `below', but rather`within'.

From: "Chris Turner" Date: Tue Jul 25, 2000 9:08 pm
Subject: Re: re : Deities

> Hail Aweniacs
> What is the value of honouring many deities?
> Who is 'the goddess' that people talk about, and is that one deity of many or a holding monotheistic deity?>
> Questions ...
> Who is your god? Who are your gods?
> Male, female, powerful, dangerous, loving?

Hi - Chris here,

WOW! As Ferret says - "huge"! <G>

I would like to suggest that a possible approach might be in terms of "AND rather than OR". Let me explain. We are culturally hung up (quite naturally) on the Xtian adversarial approach to philosophy.

This means that, for example, if you discover the "right" Path, then all others are by definition "wrong". Similarly, once you have found one faith to embrace, you must automatically reject all others. How about instead of "a OR b", we look at "a AND b".

Speaking for myself, I am a monotheist. Coming to the heart of Spirit I cannot coceive nor entertain the concept of a plurality. Having said that, I know that I am in a physical incarnation which is characterised by imperfection, but there you go <G>. However, I have no problem at all with the idea of god and goddess, being the next natural, dynamic, and logical polarising development on the One.

To put it another way, I have no problem with the concept of Mankind (or Humanity in its PC form). I also have no problem with the concept of Woman (female, feminine, womanhood etc) AND Man (male, masculine, manhood etc). I do not and cannot regard "woman" or "man" as being somehow "half-human" simply because neither gender can embrace the totality of "being human". Both genders together are "human" and each gender individually is also totally "human". The humanity of a person is NOT reduced or limited simply because they as only one part of a Human Duality of gender.

From this follows that to honour, worship (pick your own verb) God or Goddess, Lord or Lady, is not contradictory to monotheism or vice versa. When I worship the Divine Creator, Eternal Spirit of Light in the singular, I also consciously and simultaneously worship God and Goddess, individually and collectively.

It works all the way down the pyramid. Honouring the Goddess or God in one particular aspect, e.g. Lady of the Waters or the Green Man, does not compromise the honouring of Goddess or God in singular and archetypal form NOR the honouring of the One Divine Source which comprehends them both, individually and collectively.

I see no conflict within the context of Druidry between the personal preference of the worship/honour of Spirit in a monotheistic, dualistic or polytheistic form. Speaking just for me, I do all three together, and I'm very happy with the arrangement. The question, to me, is simply "which of all the equally valid aspects works for YOU?". If you prefer the same level(s) as me - that's good. If you prefer a different level(s) - that's good, too.

Bright Blessings,
Chris /|\

From: "Chris Turner" <Date: Wed Aug 2, 2000 8:00 pm
Subject: Re: Lammas

Hi - Chris here -

Just got back from Lammas in the Yorkshire Dales - been away giving an "Eightfold Year" workshop to a Shamanic/Druid Group near Grassington.

I was going to do the Lammas ritual as part of the workshop, but word got round, and by the time I got there, they had locals coming in and all sorts. It turnes out to be an evening ceremony in a beautiful StoneCircle tucked away on the Fells. Only a small one - six grey boulders, but so powerful!, yet doesn't seem to have a name.

Anyway, about fifteen of us set out about 7 o'clock and by 100 yards up the road it started to rain, and just kept on raining. This to me is always the "put your money where your mouth is" point <G>. Just who is in charge here? Divine Creation, or Humans? So, we all (Druids, Pagans and Christians [yup]) lifted our heads to the rain and soldiered on. We reached the Circle, paid our respects to the Ancients who built it and formed our own circle inside. Just made for 15 people!. We celebrated the ritual in the rain, which was just soft enough to lend a surreal, meditative counterpoint to the prayers and responses. We didn't consecrate the Circle with Fire (impossible!) nor did we bless with Water (unnecessary!).

Our acceptance of the rain and lowering cloud was rewarded as we came towards the Closing. We chanted the Druid Affirmation, then turned to face where the Sun probably was, to sing the triple AWEN. At this point, the cloud broke in the South West and rose like a curtain. The Sun broke through, and directly beneath, miles away below us in the murk, a tarn (lake) shone out in blinding silver. Stunning!

By the time we had received gifts of Wheatbread and unwound the Circle, it had all closed down again, and we walked (squelched) back in the rain with our spirits soaring and minds whirling. Without the rain, the experience would have been nothing. We can set the scene as much as we like, but when the Goddess takes a hand at Stage Management, we are all left speechless!

Just for interest, I will post the Druids of Albion Ritual for Lammas after this message. I'll label it so those who want can skip.

Bright Blessings for Lammas/Imbolc
Chris /|\

Druids of Albion Lammas Ritual

Ancient - We are here to celebrate the Festival of Lammas. Let it begin.
Response - Let it begin

Ancient - Divine Creator, Eternal Spirit of Light.
Response - We ask your Blessing on this celebration of Lammas

Ancient - Spirit of this Place, Spirit of this Circle,
Response - We ask your Blessing on this celebration of Lammas

Ancient - Ancients and Ancestors, Guides and Guardians,
Response - We ask your Blessing on this celebration of Lammas

Ancient - Let us greet the Quarters with Peace so we may know our Centre.
Response - Let there be Peace in the Centre

Ancient - We acknowledge the lands of the North
Response - Let there be Peace in the North

Ancient - We acknowledge the lands of the East
Response - Let there be Peace in the East

Ancient - We acknowledge the lands of the South
Response - Let there be Peace in the South

Ancient - We acknowledge the lands of the West
Response - Let there be Peace in the West

Ancient - In the compass of our Circle, we embrace the whole World.
Response - Let there be Peace throughout the whole World

Ancient - Let us recite the Druids' Prayer
All -

Eternal Spirit of Light, grant us protection
And in that protection, security
And in that security, knowledge
And in that knowledge, awareness
And in that awareness, the awareness of the rightness of things
And in that awareness, the love of it
And through that love, to come to the love of all Creation
And in the love of all Creation, the love of the Divine Spirit
And all Goodness, Beauty and Truth.

Ancient - Let the Four Directions be honoured and our Circle cast.

Ancient - In the symbol of the snow-white Unicorn and the Element of Earth, we call upon the Powers of the North
Response - May your power and radiance enter our Circle for the good of all beings

Ancient - In the symbol of the black, soaring Raven and the Element of Air, we call upon the Powers of the East
Response - May your power and radiance enter our Circle for the good of all beings

Ancient - In the symbol of the golden Lion and the Element of Fire, we call upon the Powers of the South
Response - May your power and radiance enter our Circle for the good of all beings

Ancient - In the symbol of the red Dragon and the Element of Water, we call upon the Powers of the West
Response - May your power and radiance enter our Circle for the good of all beings

Ancient - Behold, our Circle is cast. In the presence of the Spirits of this place, I declare the Festival of Lammas.

(The Ancient may consecrate the Circle with Fire, then with Water)

THE TELLING

This is the Feast of Lammas. The Light of the Sun in the Wheel of the Year stands in the South-West, at the boundary of the Place of Light.

This is the last day of Summer and the first of Autumn.

This is the time of the cutting of the first Sheaf and the baking of the New Loaf.

This feast is known by many names to many people for the Truth is reflected from many mirrors. It has been celebrated as Lughnasadh and Gwyl Awst. Our ancestors called it by names long forgotten and our children will call it by names as yet unconceived.

At this time our ancestors saw the grain, which had been tended and nurtured for so long, turn golden in the summer Sunshine and bow its head for the blow of the sickle. The Land, who is Lady and Queen and Mother, fulfils the promise of the harvest, made long ago in the dark days, as in the fields, the flush of the green fire of youth begins to turn to hues of amber and russet.

At this time our ancestors saw the Sun show the first signs of decline. Like the ripening grain, he now pales and droops his head like the ears ready for harvest. As the first sheaf is cut, the Sun King receives a mortal wound.

This also is part of the Mystical Cycle. The King feeds his people from his own substance; he passes his strength to those in his care. From this time on, the power of the Sun will grow less so the people may grow strong.

The Festival of Lammas is a time to acknowledge the bounty of the Earth and to make preparations to gather and husband the precious gifts of the Lady.

As the ancients and ancestors cleared their larders and storehouses in readiness for the coming harvest, this is a time for us to withdraw to examine ourselves and discard all that is useless or exhausted to make way for the Divine blessings of the fresh and the new,

This is the Sacred Word that is written in no less than the Earth and the Sky and in all things that are made. This is a wonder and a marvel.

THE WORKING

The ritual of Lammas is set in the symbols of the Stone and the Sheaf. The Stone for the Earth, the Sheaf for the Sky

The Earth brings forth from itself the wonder of new life and the continuance of life through the mediation of the Sun. The light and fire of the Sun takes form as the wonder of new life and the continuance of life through the acceptance of the Earth.

This is Mystery of the Spirit and is our comfort and sustenance.

The Sheaf is cut and brought to the threshing floor. The shining grain is winnowed in the clear Air, is ground between the ancient stones of the Earth, is steeped in clean fresh Water, is baked in the hearth Fire and is brought to the wonder of the Loaf.

This is Mystery of the Body and is our comfort and sustenance.

Ancient -Let us greet with joy the coming of the Harvest NOISE

Ancient - The Earth is fruitful, safe in the guardianship of the Lord of Light. Behold, the fields bring forth their crops in the heat of the Sun and sweet new loaves are baked in the hearth. Let the harvest of the North be gathered in.
Response - Let the bounty of the Spirit ever grow within us. NOISE

Ancient - The Earth is fruitful, safe in the guardianship of the Lord of Light. Behold, the fields bring forth their crops in the heat of the Sun and sweet new loaves are baked in the hearth. Let the harvest of the East be gathered in.
Response - Let the bounty of the Spirit ever grow within us. NOISE

Ancient - The Earth is fruitful, safe in the guardianship of the Lord of Light. Behold, the fields bring forth their crops in the heat of the Sun and sweet new loaves are baked in the hearth. Let the harvest of the South be gathered in.
Response - Let the bounty of the Spirit ever grow within us. NOISE

Ancient - The Earth is fruitful, safe in the guardianship of the Lord of Light. Behold, the fields bring forth their crops in the heat of the Sun and sweet new loaves are baked in the hearth. Let the harvest of the West be gathered in.
Response - Let the bounty of the Spirit ever grow within us. NOISE

Ancient - The King and Queen bring forth their bounty. Behold, the Earth rejoices in its blessings.

Ancient - The first sheaf of Harvest is cut. As the blade plunges into the grain, so the Lord of Light receives his mortal wound that will bleed the light from the sky in the fullness of the seasons. The Earth transforms the Light of the Sun into the life-giving bread. The Lord and the Lady give of themselves so that the people may survive through the dark time to come. The people stand in awe and wonder, marvelling at the Eternal Mystery of the Cycle of Death out of Life and Life out of Death.

This is a time to honour the Mystery of the life-bearing darkness of the Earth.
This is a time to honour the Mystery of the life-giving light of the Sun.
A time to meditate upon the mystical union of Spirit and Matter that characterises Divine Creation and all who dwell within it.

MEDITATION / CONTEMPLATION

Ancient - Light turns to heat as the Lord and Lady lay their precious gifts before the people.

Ancient - The lands of the North bring forth their bounty
Response - Let the people rejoice in the promise of Life.

Ancient - The lands of the East bring forth their bounty
Response - Let the people rejoice in the promise of Life.

Ancient - The lands of the South bring forth their bounty
Response - Let the people rejoice in the promise of Life.

Ancient - The lands of the West bring forth their bounty Response - Let the people rejoice in the promise of Life.

THE BIDDING

It is our responsibility as Druids to care for one another, to care for all living things and to care for the Earth our Mother. It is our duty to care for all created things, for they all spring from the One Light and they are holy. Ancient - To this end, let us direct our prayers to the Eternal Spirit of Light, to the Lord and Lady, to our Guardian Spirits, to the spirits of the Ancients and Ancestors and the Spirits of this place.

Ancient - Send us the blessing of Healing. Bring healing to those who are sick or in pain in this Company gathered here, to their loved ones, family and friends, and to the greater family of humanity
Response - Let it be so

Ancient - Send us the blessing of Inner Peace. Bring comfort and peace to those who are in distress or turmoil in this Company gathered here, to their loved ones, family and friends, and to the greater family of humanity
Response - Let it be so

Ancient - Send us the blessing of Protection. Bring safety and security to those who are threatened or in danger in this Company gathered here, to their loved ones, family and friends, and to the greater family of humanity
Response - Let it be so

Ancient - Send us the blessing of Strength. Bring fortitude and acceptance to those who walk in inexorable sadness in this Company gathered here, to their loved ones, family and friends, and to the greater family of humanity
Response - Let it be so

Ancient - Send us the blessing of a whole and healthy Mother Earth. May the One Light shine within the hearts of the exploiters and despoilers of the Three realms - the Animal, the Vegetable and the Mineral. May they and all humanity be filled with understanding, compassion and inspiration
Response - Let it be so

THE CLOSING

Ancient - Let us give the Affirmation of the Druid.
All -

We swear by Peace and Love to stand Heart to heart and hand in hand
Mark, O Spirit and hear us now Confirming this our sacred vow

Ancient - Let us sing to the Sun the Sacred Word; the Word of Inspiration that flows like a river through the Apparent Universe. (all stand and turn to face the candle that represents the Sun in the Wheel of the Year)
All - AWEN - AWEN - AWEN

Ancient - Take this gift which is a gift of the Season. Meditate upon it and ask to receive the blessing of the lessons it holds. Allow it to lead you along the path of the Light. (distributes gifts to the company.)

Ancient - It is time to return. Let us thank the Powers and unwind our Circle.

Ancient - In the symbol of the red Dragon and the Element of Water, we thank the Powers of the West for your presence and inspiration at this celebration of Lammas.
Response - May your blessings be always with us (extinguishes candle)

Ancient - In the symbol of the golden Lion and the Element of Fire, we thank the Powers of the South for your presence and inspiration at this celebration of Lammas.
Response - May your blessings be always with us (extinguishes candle)

Ancient - In the symbol of the soaring black Raven and the Element of Air, we thank the Powers of the East for your presence and inspiration at this celebration of Lammas.
Response - May your blessings be always with us (extinguishes candle)

Ancient - In the symbol of the snow-white Unicorn and the Element of Earth, we thank the Powers of the North for your presence and inspiration at this celebration of Lammas.
Response - May your blessings be always with us (extinguishes candle)

Ancient - Behold, our Circle is unwound. Ancient - Divine Creator, Eternal Spirit of Light.

Response - We thank you for your Blessing on this celebration of Lammas

Ancient - Spirit of this Place, Spirit of this Circle, Response - We thank you for your Blessing on this celebration of Lammas Ancient - Ancients and Ancestors, Guides and Guardians,
Response - We thank you for your Blessing on this celebration of Lammas

Ancient - I declare the Festival of Lammas closed within this holy place. (extinguishes Candle of Peace) Ancient - Behold, it is ended.
Response - Nothing ends.

From: "Chris Turner" Date: Thu Jul 6, 2000 6:00 pm
Subject: Interfaith

Hi - Chris here,

We had an article on Interfaith in the last DOA Newsletter (DOA = Druids of Albion) In seeking answers, I sent a copy of the article embedded in a covering letter to Tony Blair, Chris Smith, William Hague, Bishop Williamson and Dr Ahsan, both of Inter Faith Network UK (IFNUK).

Here is the text of the letter and Newsletter article in full -

26 June 2000

Dear Mr Blair,

The article reprinted below is taken from our Summer 2000 Newsletter. It raises issues of apparent or perceived discrimination or double standards regarding what might be termed "Establishment" attitudes towards the spiritual beliefs and practices of a significant and growing faith community in the United Kingdom.

"In late December 1999, the Government hosted a "Shared Act of Reflection and Commitment" which took place in the Royal Gallery of the Houses of Parliament. This event was attended by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Prime Minister and 400 members of the various faith communities from across the United Kingdom. Predictably, Druids, or other groupings of the British or Western Native Spiritual Traditions, were not represented. Whether they declined to attend, were not invited or were excluded is not yet clear.

The Druids of Albion have acquired a copy of a Department for Culture, Media and Sport Press Release number DCMS314/99 dated 30th December 1999. This contains several interesting statements which pose more questions than they answer. Firstly, the Culture Secretary, Chris Smith, says "We have always recognised that .... it was important for the [Millennium] Celebrations to be inclusive and involve people from other faith communities.". Next, Bishop Roy Williamson, co-chair of the Inter Faith Network states "All (sic) the faith communities ... have been keen from the outset to be fully involved in the Millennium celebrations" and his partner in the I.F.N., Dr Manazir Ahsan, Director of the Islamic Foundation enthuses that, "While respecting the integrity of every (sic) faith, the event highlights the things that unite us - care and compassion, respect, a desire for justice and a sense of community." It seems strange that Druidry was somehow not perceived to fall within these stated objectives of involvement and inclusiveness.

If Druids and Pagans were not included, which then were the faiths that did merit an invitation to attend the "Shared Act of Reflection and Commitment"? Document DCMS314/99 lists no less than nine groups considered to be the "main faith communities living in the U.K." all of them, curiously, of Middle Eastern or Asian origin.

Of these nine, the top three are, naturally, religions of the Book - that is, Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Then come the three great Indian Paths - Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. The remaining three of the "main faith communities" are Baha'i, Jain and Zoroastrian.

There is no indication of the criteria used to determine just what constitutes a "main faith community living in the U.K." or the selection method used in drawing up the invitation list. It seems curious that out of 400 invitees, room could not be found for even one representative of Druidry or any other branch of the British Native Spiritual Tradition."

We feel that any comment you might care to make will be a positive help towards clarifying the situation and will be most welcome.

In the Blessings of the One Light,
cc Rt Hon Chris Smith, Rt Hon William Hague, Bishop Roy Williamson IFNUK, Dr Manazir Ahsan IFNUK

Chris Turner, Druid;
Chair, Druids of Albion

From: "Chris Turner" Date: Mon Jul 10, 2000 6:11 pm

Subject: Re: who are we?
> So, we seem to have a mix of opinions between Awenauts, Awenyddion, and Aweniacs.
> In good old Bardic style, why bother settling on a fixed answer!?

Chris here =

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm would it be too po-faced to suggest that the triad Awenaut / Aweniac / Awenyddion has embedded within it the triple aspect of the AWEN itself? Each of these names suggests (to me) a certain type of character quite distinct from the other, and something would be lost if any of the names was dropped. The Druidic thread runs deeper. Let's look at each name in turn and, if my memory serves, the order they arrived.

AWENIAC - "One who is inspired by the AWEN" - the maniacal inference was always connected with being 'possessed' or 'inspired' by spiritual fire - look at Orpheus, the Archetype. Modern examples might be Van Gogh, Mozart, Dylan Thomas. All, in their own way representative of the BARD

AWENAUT - "One who uses the AWEN as a vehicle of discovery" - this is AWEN on the other side of the brain. Bard is to Right Side as Ovate is to the Left. The Awenaut uses the inspiration of the AWEN in an ordered fashion to methodically explore and expand the sum of knowledge as directed in the Druids Prayer. This is the work of the OVATE

AWENYDDION - "One who is 'of the AWEN'". One who feels the AWEN running through all aspects of existence, visible and invisible. One who is aware of the Spiritual origins and destiny of all beings, and of the Great Dance and hir own place within it. This is the DRUID.

How can this be other than the AWEN declaring itself to those who have taken its name as their watchword? What more validation do you need (if you ever did) that you are in the right place at the right time, each and all of the Tribe of the Awen?

Bright Blessings,
Chris /|\

(Submitted by Donata)