The word "Druid" may strike you as something from ancient history, but there are tens of thousands of modern-day Druids, practising their spirituality all over the world.

They may be members of one of the big Druid Orders, like O.B.O.D. (Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids) or the B.D.O. (British Druid Order).  They may be members of smaller organisations like America's Ar Draiocht Fein, or they may be solitary practitioners. 

Each Druid will have their own definition of Druidry and their own way of practising it.  Each of them will be equally right, as there is no Big Book Of Druidry laying down the law.  We have no dogma, no commandments, no overall leader. 

Yet, Druids share a very real bond - our common territory is that space where love of nature, love of the creative arts and love of mythology overlap.  

We tend to have a special interest in the myths and cultures of those countries where Celtic languages were spoken.  However, this is because of the history of Druidry - it is not a requirement for those practising in future.

This website, and the attached blog, will be my space for thinking aloud about Druidry and how best to practise it.  Although I am a proud member of OBOD, the views here are my own.  I reserve the right to change them as I grow (even) older and (I hope)  somewhat wiser.

Because my version of Druidry is firmly rooted in loving the land beneath my feet, I could not write about it without also writing about my land.  I live in Ulster, one of the four provinces of Ireland.  The others are Leinster, Munster and Connaught. I, of course, believe that mine is the most beautiful, with the richest heritage and the most compelling history.

Because my land of Ulster is a notoriously troubled piece of Earth, with a history of terrorist conflict and a somewhat shaky peace currently in place, I found my thoughts also turned to Peacemaking, one of the traditional skills of the Druid. Therefore, this website will also include a section on The Fifth Province, which is an allusion used by many for a place where we can find peace and reconciliation.

I should add that, in calling this website Ulster Druid.com, I am claiming only to be AN Ulster Druid, not THE Ulster Druid, pre-eminent or special in any way.

POLITE REQUEST

Do not contact me to let me know about your ancestry, even if your granny was Irish.  Irish people get this all the time online and we honestly don't enjoy it.  I need to know you reasonably well and like you actually quite a lot before I can cheerfully listen to your family tree.  

DISCLAIMER

I should also add that I am a grumpy old soul, with a tendency to be opinionated, and may occasionally express myself with a lack of tact.  I will, of course, try not to offend anyone.  But I am prepared to take the risk.  If anything on this website annoys you, feel free to email kissmyferret@ulsterdruid.com and tell me why.  I never check that email, but it will do you good to get it off your chest.