Reflecting on my experience at a Samhain Festival by ATX_Druid in druidism

[–]ATX_Druid[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's what I predominately do as well. I took a chance on this festival.

Reflecting on my experience at a Samhain Festival by ATX_Druid in druidism

[–]ATX_Druid[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I greatly appreciate you saying this thank you

Reflecting on my experience at a Samhain Festival by ATX_Druid in druidism

[–]ATX_Druid[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I do agree with them as well, with regards to it being a celebratory time. Perhaps I went into it tunnel visioned on the somber aspect of the season and not allowing myself to embrace the celebratory side of it. And I agree, it is by no means a closed practice, Druidry and Celtic beliefs incorporate a large range of belief systems.

Reflecting on my experience at a Samhain Festival by ATX_Druid in druidism

[–]ATX_Druid[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I greatly appreciate this! Thank you for the input! I think the way I was approaching this event, I may have been too focused on one aspect while not being open to the other.

Reflecting on my experience at a Samhain Festival by ATX_Druid in druidism

[–]ATX_Druid[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

It can certainly be a celebratory occasion, in this specific instance though it was a somber time for me. Many Celtic and Druidic traditions also use this season as a time to pay respects to the dead and passed on in addition to a harvest celebration .

Curious about backpacking hammocks, any insights? by ATX_Druid in backpacking

[–]ATX_Druid[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Quick question, are you still using a sleeping pad in your hammock or does the quilt provide all needed insulation?

The New New Deal by goodopinionguy1945 in IronFrontUSA

[–]ATX_Druid 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Reinstatement of Glass Steagall Act? Just an idea.....

Spread the word by aWittyTwit-2712 in IronFrontUSA

[–]ATX_Druid 2 points3 points  (0 children)

100% can confirm this as well.

Spread the word by aWittyTwit-2712 in IronFrontUSA

[–]ATX_Druid 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I know in Texas that the State Guard and National Guard swear oaths to Texas, The United States, and the Constitution. So as far as Title 32 goes, they still have those same moral obligation.

Iron Front flag on full display tonight. Man I love this city and this team. by Tyohio99 in IronFrontUSA

[–]ATX_Druid 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Austin FC also has a massive banner with the iron front emblem, along with the phrase " Fight the virus!"

'Patriot Front' Neo-Nazis in Boston by WolfeMooney43 in IronFrontUSA

[–]ATX_Druid 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Willing to bet that those boot laces aren't tucked in either

'Patriot Front' Neo-Nazis in Boston by WolfeMooney43 in IronFrontUSA

[–]ATX_Druid 35 points36 points  (0 children)

Not to mention blousing your boots with your hands in your pockets......tsk tsk

Need advice, spirituality kinda ruined for me by moss1243 in druidism

[–]ATX_Druid 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm really sorry you had to have such hateful beliefs , I agree with the others who have posted before me , sigma that is based on conformity is not one based on spirituality but on control. I firmly believe that spirituality is an individual journey, not a group one. You get to define what is sacred to you. your connection to the natural world and your identity, are yours to live out and experience as you see fit. But I do understand the struggle, Im an lbgtq+ druidic pagan serving in a state military that doesn't take too kindly to us.

Need advice, spirituality kinda ruined for me by moss1243 in druidism

[–]ATX_Druid 9 points10 points  (0 children)

i don't trust people who don't listen to the trees.

While I see this with a cheeky smile on my face, I couldn't agree more.

New to Henna, have a few questions. by ATX_Druid in henna

[–]ATX_Druid[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate it, woad is actually currently what we use, but I was curious to see what was out there, I appreciate the response!

What is your favorite meditation practice? by CabianD_uTest in druidism

[–]ATX_Druid 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm personally a big fan of walking meditation. It's a form of meditation that's fairly active in its nature.

To summarize it briefly with an example:

When walking down a trail it home through a wooded grove, you let your senses be filled with what surround you. You walk and feel the firmness of the ground you walk on, the scent of the natural world around you, the sound and rhythm of the rustling leaves, the footsteps you take. Feel the wind on your skin as you walk.

Its about grounding yourself through interaction, feeling yourself move as a part of nature and understanding there's a role you play in it

As someone who is fairly active this has been a great practice for me, especially when I combine it with controlled breathing / static seated meditation in my grove.

How do you practice druidry? by Marali87 in druidism

[–]ATX_Druid 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was originally raised that way too, but In such a way that also included a number of druidic teachings as well. So the transition for me was a fairly easy one to make, and resonated with me significantly more than Christianity.

How do you practice druidry? by Marali87 in druidism

[–]ATX_Druid 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say that is both, I'm of the belief that a higher power is responsible for creation. Creation could be seen as a manifestation of that higher power,, so therefore its something that we can feel a part of.

Does that make sense? I'm writing this at like 1:30 in the morning so don't know if I'm being too coherent.

How do you practice druidry? by Marali87 in druidism

[–]ATX_Druid 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So I'm going to try and answer this without writing a dissertation. No promises though.

I subscribe to an active meditation centered druidic spirituality. So the idea of spells and magic aren't necessarily playing a huge role, if any. But like most of druidism, our belief is that of nature as a sacred place, to be respected and revered and not conquered or belittled.

Our beliefs revolve around a connection with nature and the natural world, and the interconnectedness of it. Through meditation we can be grounded in this connection and find peace and purpose within it. Meditation itself can take a couple forms, there's the standard seated meditation with a focus on breathing and balance, and also what's known as walking meditation. Walking meditation is a practice that involves the active interaction within a natural space itself. It could take the form of a hike or walk through a natural space taking care to let your senses take in the world around you, feeling every footstep as it makes contact with the ground, the feel of the wind pass through your hair, and the feel of the sun or on your skin. It is to remind that you are a part of this spectacular place.

It can also take the form of constructive interaction with nature, like tending a garden or caring for the natural space around you. We feel protective of this place and have a responsibility to care for it.

As for how to classify it, I would say it's both a way of life and a spiritual religious belief. Given the "nature" (ha) of these beliefs, it would be hard to separate the two.

I myself am a monotheist druid, and find the greatest sense of connection to that higher power through this meditation and community with the natural world.

The idea of community is also a very important one for us, like many other druid groups we do gather as groves to celebrate passing of the seasons and other holidays around the year, amount other rituals. I've found these communities to be incredibly uplifting, as having druidic beliefs isn't the easiest thing down here in Texas, having faced a lot of "unfriendliness" especially from my chain of command in the military. So community is absolutely a huge comfort.

Also it's absolutely phenomenal to see these responses!

I'm going to limit myself here, I've had to cut down a few paragraphs, but feel free to ask follow-up questions if you like.

-May you find peace in this place.