Meditation can bring peace to the heart, calm and inspiration to the restless mind, and healing to the body. While some meditation methods seek to transcend the body, Druids use meditation to honour the physical realm, to deepen their awareness of its sacredness and needs, and to deepen their sense of connection to all life, whether embodied or Otherworldly.
In using meditation to enter the Otherworld, Druids use techniques of inner journeying, including methods now known as shamanic. In using meditation to deepen their sense of presence and awareness, Druids use a variety of methods often including relaxation techniques combined with focussed awareness on the body or breath.
A central symbol for the Druid is a tree, which is often used in meditation. Powerful and peaceful, still and yet fully alive, the tree breathes in and out, acting in service to all of life. The Tree Meditation in the film above shows just one of the many ways Druids meditate with trees. Click on the button at the end of this article for more information on this meditation.
Meditation is taught In the Order’s training course, and is practised on Order retreats, gatherings and workshops. See the book Contemplative Druidry, available from the Order’s bookshop, for an exploration of meditation and contemplative approaches within Druidry. For information on Discursive Meditation see A Druid Meditation Primer.