What is The Druid Academy?

It is an attempt to create training in the modern path of Pagan Druidism (also called by such names as "Neo-Druidism," "Neopagan Druidism," and "Draíocht Nua") in an organic way, divorced from hierarchies, "orthopraxies", and legalism.  This approach recognizes that Druidism--like other forms of reconstructionist Neopaganism--is largely community- and hearth-based and has inherent differences from creedal and universal religions like Christianity and does not need to ape the institutions of such religions in a kneejerk manner.  The Druid Academy offers educational resources meant to stimulate a deeper connection to a traditional polytheistic Pagan practice and also will provide advanced training for individuals wishing to take on the role of teacher or liturgist. Above all, the Druid Academy is a "hedge school" for training in the principles and practices of Pagan Druidism.

So what's a "hedge school"?

In Ireland between the late 17th and mid 19th centuries, the English imperial government banned instruction by teachers from the indigenous Gaelic/Catholic culture. In response to this prohibition, an informal system of private instruction by itinerant teachers developed. (For one good history of Irish hedge schools, visit http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~donegal/inishowenhs.htm.)

What is Pagan Druidism?

Defining the term "Druidism" can be a fruitless endeavor:  There are numerous organizations around the world identifying as practicing "Druidism" and which often show little evidence of commonalities apart from a tendency to focus on Celtic material.  Isaac Bonewits, founder of one such organization (ADF), attempted to distinguish among various forms of Druidism (also called "Druidry") by categorizing them as "Paleopagan," "Mesopagan," and "Neopagan," depending on whether they represented ancient practice, Christian era ecumenical or fraternal groups, or modern non-Christian approaches.  These categories are useful, but have also come in for criticism from both fraternal Druids and Celtic reconstructionists/restorationists.  The Druid Academy chooses to embrace the term "Pagan" strictly as a marker of its orientation to non-Christian practitioners--thus setting it off from philosophical or interfaith training systems like the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids (OBOD).  Druidism is seen here in the light of its original--"Paleopagan," to use Bonewits's term--sense:  As a polytheistic Pagan path in which public ceremonies led by trained celebrants were as much a part of the community's life as the personal devotions offered by individuals and families at their home altars and hearths.

What is meant by "polytheistic"?

Polytheists revere multiple gods and/or goddesses, not merely one (and commonly not only a paired God and Goddess).  This does not mean that many polytheists, now and in times past, have not believed on one Source above all...or that all gods and goddesses are aspects of one God and one Goddess (a common belief among Wiccans, for example).  Many polytheistic Pagans, though, don't believe in any sort of anthropomorphic Creator figure and prefer to work to strengthen the alliances they feel exist between themselves and any number of deities.  Pagan Druidism is understood as being a polytheistic religious path.

Are these "gods and goddesses" real?

This is the sort of question that answers itself in the asking, really.  If one can phrase a meaningful question using the words "gods" and "goddesses," then it supposes that what is being asked about has some sort of intelligible meaning.  The work of the Druid Academy does not presuppose any answer as to what the "reality" of the deities is.  For some, they are going to be understood as independent beings residing elsewhere in the cosmos and interacting with humans from time to time; for others, they may be seen as aspects of the most unreachable depths of the psyche.  And, as noted above, for many, they may be believed to be aspects of still higher powers which are beyond direct human experience.  The Druid Academy training encourages a tolerant attitude toward diverse beliefs as to the nature of the deities:  It is merely understood that students have found the Shining Ones to be active in their lives and worthy of honor.

Do you honor other entities in Pagan Druidism?

Yes.  In common with most forms of reconstructed Indo-European paganism, both the Ancestors and the Spirits of the Middle World are seen as worthy of honor.  Much of what was said in the previous answer applies to these Powers as well...and for many modern Pagans, there may be fluid boundaries between these tribes of beings.  Here, too, a tolerant attitude, worthy of the tolerant attitudes of the ancient Pagans, is encouraged.

So what is a "Druid"?

The evidence from ancient times is clear:  A "Druid" was someone who had studied the lore of the culture enough to earn the title.  As such, practice in the Druid Academy is to speak of someone still embarked on a path of study as a "Pagan," a "Druidic Pagan," a "Celtic Pagan", or simply as one "on the Druid path."  All Pagan Druids are pagan, but not all Pagans are Druids, on this view.

How does someone become a Druid?

By studying sufficiently as to be able to be of service to the community as a teacher or liturgist.  As the Druid Academy evolves, there will be a certificate program that will acknowledge completion of advanced training in areas particularly important to those serving in such capacities.

Does this mean legal ordination as a clergy person?

The notion of "clergy" (vs. "lay") status is largely an element of Judeo-Christian tradition.  In Pagan Druidism, anyone can communicate with the Powers and make offerings.  What advanced training in the work of the Druid intends is to build a pool of individuals who can serve as teachers and ritual facilitators--understanding that many (if not most) Pagans do not desire to take on these roles, especially in public settings.

However, it has to be recognized that Pagan Druidism is a Neopagan path...meaning it is part of modern culture.  Modern American society (in common with most Western cultures) does tie together religious blessing and civil contract in the institution of marriage to a large degree and it is a legitimate expectation of modern Pagans that they have access to legally-recognized celebrants of the sort represented by ministers, priests, rabbis, and imams of the more established faith communities.  To this end--and as part of its organic growth--the founder of The Druid Academy has undertaken the formation of a legal church organization called the Fellowship of Druidism for the Latter Age ("FoDLA"). Information on this new fellowship can be found at fodla.org. It is very likely that the Druid Academy curriculum will be compatible with the Druidic training requirements of FoDLA.

So is the Druid Academy a school?  A church?

Neither...and a bit of both.  The classical texts speak of Druids being trained in what might be thought of as colleges and meeting in conclaves.  So clearly there was some sort of identifiable organizing structure in ancient Druidism from which we may derive inspiration.  The Druid Academy is both training program and networking structure to provide resources for those identifying as Druidic Pagans.  At present, it is a proprietary structure (as opposed to a nonprofit corporation) and that structure might spawn sister academies, a formal church organization, unaffiliated local fellowships and/or hearths, or things quite unforeseen.  At the present time, the Druid Academy exists simply because its founder believes that more learning is always a good thing...

What sorts of classes are offered?

Initially there will be both an introductory series of classes in the historical context for Pagan Druidism and a "practicum" series which introduces the core concepts of reconstructed Druid practice in a modern setting.  For those who complete these two series and desire further training (including toward a certificate of training), there is a planned advanced course which focuses on the skills needed to organize and facilitate rituals for the community.

Is there a cost for the classes?

Yes...as with anything of value in life.  Any registration fee for any given class generally goes in large part to compensate the owner of the site for the class and some goes to the instructor.  Since, at present, the Druid Academy is a proprietary institution, operated by its founder and primary teacher, money going to the instructor genuinely represents the working capital for future growth.  There is a dogma of sorts in Neopaganism that one shouldn't have to pay for religious education (or other services by religious specialists, for that matter).  This has led to an undervaluing of the training that is out there in the community and, frankly, to the impoverishment of priests, priestesses, and teachers.  Whatever one may think of the mainstream faith communities, the services and facilities they offer did not appear spontaneously:  In many--if not most--cases, they are the result of many years of appreciative giving.

The core concept of Indo-European paganism which informs modern Pagan Druidism is reciprocal hospitality.  We offer to the gods in appreciation...and in the knowledge that as we are generous, they will be generous in return.  This extends to human relationships as well and was the foundation of ancient Celtic society.

Is this training available online?

At present, classes are being offered at various venues in the Los Angeles area. Some of the courses may be set up for distance learning at a future date if the material proves suitable to such a medium. However, there is an emphasis on real-time, face-to-face contact in this work and this is not intended to be a virtual community. Any of the core series of classes can be offered as a two-day "weekend intensive" outside the L.A. area--if you are interested in arranging this, contact the Academy Director.

Can anyone teach a class?

Anyone who feels qualified to do so can present a proposal to teach.  Permission is at the discretion of the Director of the Academy.  Wherever possible (which will be in almost all instances), the instructor will be compensated based on revenues.  Send a detailed proposal to todd@druidacademy.org