Defining Terms
In an effort to define exactly what a practice of DruidCraft might be, Brianna in Germany with a group of OBOD members around the world made this list of the differences and similarities between Druidry and Wicca:
First, we have to define ‘Wicca’ in a way that makes everybody happy, which is may be one of the hardest tasks in modern Paganism.
The best way is to say it with the words of an English friend, who is both a Wiccan High Priestess and a Druidess: ‘Wicca’ means British Traditional Wicca à la Gerald Gardner & Co (ie properly initiated into a Brit. Trad. Coven), and ‘Pagan Wicca’ stands for all of those who practice Wicca as it is depicted in the many good books that deal with Wicca (e.g. Scott Cunningham etc.)
Pagan Wicca is a very individual path (everything can, nothing must), thus this list of differences and similarities refers primarily to Wicca when compared with British Traditional Wicca.
We refer to Druidry here as the kind of Druidry that is for example practiced by OBOD. There are also other streams of Druidry, such as Celtic Reconstructionism, where the differences with Wicca would be greater.
This list doesn’t claim to be complete or infallible. Its purpose is to give interested people a general idea. Neither Druidry nor Wicca can ever be completely described or categorized. To fully understand them, they have to be experienced and lived – and by doing so, they will become unique and very individual paths for each and everyone.
What Wicca and Druidry have in common
Respect and Love for Nature
Their ethics
Both work within a circle. In Wicca the Circle’s primary purpose is to preserve and focus the energy, so it fulfills the intent of the particular ceremony. The Wiccan Circle is also a protective circle, so that the energy has no outside interference or influence. The Circle is ‘between the worlds, beyond space and time. In Druidry the circle symbolizes the microcosm of the macrocosm – the world. It is also defines the sacred space for the ritual.
The 8 High Days, although with different approaches
The 4 Elements and directions, and their correspondences
The ‘Law of the Harvest’ or karmic ‘law’ that all that you send out (energy-wise) will come back to you (nevermind how often for now)
Reincarnation
The equality of man and woman, of male and female principle, both in groups and in divinity
Honouring the ‘old gods’
The use of meditation, visualization and rituals as religious/spiritual practices
Honouring our ancestors (but in slightly different ways)
Both are orthopractic religions, not orthodox ones: which means that what one knows or believes is less important than what one does or experiences.
Differences
Quite often the differences are only in the detail, whereas a more generic definition would put them under ‘Similarities’.
What is specifically Wiccan:
Wicca has a stronger focus on the moon than Druidry and celebrates the full moons (and some also the dark moons) with a ritual, but gives the same amount of importance to the Sun as does Druidry.
Wicca uses Magic in a different and often more active way than Druidry
Wicca has a different historical background to Druidry
Wicca is widely seen more like a mystery religion
Wicca has a different focus on and understanding of standard elements of a ritual, like for example calling the quarters, steps and ritual tools
What is specifically Druidic:
Tree lore and Ogham
The druid grove (both inner and in the physica world)
The focus on peace
In Druidry the moons don’t play such a big role
Druidry can be seen as a religion, but also as a way of living / a philosophy, which results in there being Druids from many different faiths
Druidry has a different historical background to Wicca
Druidry is widely seen more like a spiritual path
Druidry focuses on the celtic pantheon
This list is a collective effort from Druids and Wiccans, all members of the Druidcraft Subforum of the Messageboard on www.druidry.org