Peace : why?
As Druids, we are concerned with creating and sustaining deep relationships, with
the earth, with our ancestors and with each other. In the tradition we learn how to listen, how to
breathe in another’s touch. This we call inspiration, the awen.
Daisy Chain Offering - © Jamus Wood
So we are deeply concerned with the experiences of conflict and communication.
Plunging through the barriers of self, of division and separateness, we come to the bliss of merging
with another. But Druidry is not all ecstasy and union, it celebrates diversity, difference too. So
what happens when that difference rises to breakdown in communication? What happens when we cease to
lovingly explore difference and instead grow fearful, angry or defensive of our own identity?
This is why Druids are concerned with issues of peace. If we can define peace as
something more than the absence of conflict, then what does it mean to be at peace within oneself,
to be at peace in our personal relationships and then to be at peace in a global sense?
Peace : how?
This is where introspective quests for understanding, ecstasy, communion collide
with the outside world. Druids are not monks or hermits, sealed in blissful union with the divine.
We seek to live actively in a world filled with contradictions, with conflict and challenge. As
Druids we can reach out and stand in the faultlines of argument and aggression and seek, if not to
heal division, then at least to bring understanding to the situation. We are taught how to quest
contact with another, to stand with feet planted firmly on the earth and hold an experience, however
discomforting and disturbing it may be. We are also taught how to release, how to allow something to
die, whether that be old resentment, guilt, ancient anger.
These are the gifts of Druidry. We can seek to practise peace personally and
politically. Other traditions have models of righteous warriors, as well as of peaceful resolution.
Think of Gandhi with his example of active non-violence. Think of Jesus with his passive turning of
the other cheek. Ours is a dynamic tradition firmly rooted in the here and now – what does it
mean to be a warrior in the Druid tradition, what does peacemaking mean to a Druid?
Peace : the part we play
These peace pages offer both practical suggestions for action and support in the
role of peacemaker or warrior, as well as a forum for further discussion on these roles. We live in
changing, challenging times, and the Druidic tradition has much to offer a world in crisis.
Cathi Yarrow
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Disclaimer: The views put forward within these pages are voices of individuals within the Druid community and those who touch it. They do not represent the entirety of Druidry, nor do they necessarily represent the views of The Druid Network, its members or staff. There exists a wide spectrum of opinions within Druidry and, while some views expressed may be rich sources of inspiration, there may also be views that cause offence to others. We offer these articles as a representation of the awen of a range of individuals, studying, teaching and practising Druidry. If you wish to represent your own awen you are invited to contribute to these pages.
