Druid Grove #121
Men Helping Men through Unity Peace and Concord
Origin of Druids
The Druidic Order is the oldest known. It existed when the British Isles were not islands, but attached to the mainland, 10,000 B.C.E. Druids were the connective source of knowledge and order throughout Ancient Europe. They kept Law, Medicine, and Philosophy; and taught them via word of mouth for ages. In 55 B.C.E, Julius Caeser invaded the British Isles. He had destroyed and driven Druids in Europe, underground. When the Roman era finally collapsed a Druid Leader arose; Merlin, (sic). Reputed as the Greatest of Druids, his seven precepts are a moral guide.
Precepts
Seven Precepts of Merlin
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Labor diligently to acquire Knowledge, for it is power.
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When in Authority, decide Reasonably, for thine authority may cease.
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Bear with Fortitude the Ills of life, Remembering that no Mortal Sorrow is perpetual.
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Love virtue- for it bringeth peace.
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Abhor Vice- for it bringeth evil upon all.
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Obey those in Authority in all Just things, that virtue may be exalted.
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Cultivate the social virtues, so shalt thou be beloved by all men.
We follow and recite these precepts to remind us of our peaceful duties to our fellow man.
The modern order was created by Henry Hurle in 1781; he proclaimed a need for an order which, was; “not Religious, nor Political, and had more Hilarity”. It came to the Americas in 1830. Our order does Not conflict with any religious belief or any laws. Modern Druids practice fraternal and benevolent social activities with a basis in decent moral and American values. Secrecy within our order is employed to merely protect our members and secure our fraternal bonds to one another as men.
Organization
Branches and Membership
There are three branches of the Order,
Groves- Brotherhood, men are in the Order,
Circles- Sisterhood, women predominate,
men may join.
Chapters, the fun branch, Brothers and Sisters may Join a Chapter
Grand Grove- Umbrella organization to administer all the Groves and coordinate efforts. Comprised of Officers and Legacy Members.
International Grand Lodge of Druids
The Druidic Order has an International Society. Its history is interwoven with nearly all the early nations of Europe and its ritualistic work is based on ancient beliefs of peace and benevolence. There are branches of this "Lodge” in all parts of the world. Druid members may join. Delegates from the different lodges of the world meet every four years in a World Congress to legislate for the welfare of the Order, network, and socialize.
Druidic Scholarship Awards Program
To develop the power of thought has been a
cardinal principle of the Druids for years beyond the scope of written history. To this end, the Order maintains a Druidic Scholarship Awards Program. Each year our affiliate Order awards scholarships to graduating high school students to pursue their academic careers. Qualifications require students be scholastically successful and in need of financial assistance. Applicants shall be recommended by a Grove, Chapter, or Circle, although they need not be affiliated to the Druidic Orders in any way. This fund is a source of pride to the Druidic Order and exalts the great social virtue, Benevolence.
For More Information on the Druidic Orders and Non-profit Corporation->
Oak and Mistletoe
The symbol of the Ovate is the Mistletoe for which the Ancient Druids had great veneration for this parasitic plant. The European Mistletoe holds medicinal properties and was consecrated. The ancient Celtic nations of Europe held it in high esteem, For, whatever grows on an oak is thought to be a gift from Heaven. Oak trees represented the Deity and the Mistletoe when found on the oak signified man, a creature entirely dependent upon the supremacy of universal spirituality for support, yet with an individual existence of his own.
It is Humanity clinging to Divinity.
Symbolism of the Colors
Even before the days of Merlin colors have great symbolism.
In Druidism we hold each to show character:
White: Purity, Innocence, Joy
Red: Courage, Power, Fervency, Zeal.
Blue: Heavens, Spirituality, Piety, Friendship, Loyalty, Justice.
Green: Hope, Life, Plenty, Our Green World.
Conclusion
In becoming a Druid, men violate no moral obligation. In Druidism there is nothing which will interfere with one’s duties to his belief of a Power in the Universe greater than himself, his country, or to his family. As Druids, we respect the Flag and revere the symbolism of its colors, as well as the heritage and constitution of our nation the United States of America and the concepts of the rule of law.
Druids enjoy niceties of an Order dedicated to principles to respect and nurture the Dignity of Man: Friendship and Sociability; Charity; Belief in a power in the universe greater than ourselves and the Brotherhood of Men. We are an Order that teaches one to be a good neighbor.
If you are interested in joining our order please call the number below.
We are a non-religious, non-political Fraternal Order dedicated to Cultivating Social Virtue and Enhancing our Community Through Social Good Will.