Cat Treadwell - A Druids Tale

Since I first learned to read, Ive had a core dream of writing a book myself, which I bored English teachers with throughout my schooldays. Many of them wont ever read these words, but for all those teachers and friends who encouraged me and do see this thank you. I wouldnt be here without your kind words.

To Fox and Robyn. For kicking me repeatedly, dragging me out into public view (occasionally at spear-point), and then supporting me so wonderfully when it was most needed. And for telling me that I had a sexy voice on the radio.

To Alex, Morna and Jack. For honouring me more than I can ever express with that first handfasting request. I hold the memory of your day, always.

To my teachers, Bobcat and Verruca Moonbeam! Soul-deep thanks.

And to those whom I studied alongside, those fellow Living Druids and ADO lovelies for all that wisdom and laughter.

To my fellow Trustees of The Druid Network: Nessa, Bish, Red, Chris and Phil (and families). Hard workers, dear friends, whose value to me truly is beyond price.

To Jamie Magpie and the original Apple Grove, for those first steps (with Prince Lump and the moving trees!).

To Andy and Sally, for capturing dreams.

To my students, those I have married, and those who have sought me out with bravery and curiosity. I cannot adequately express my thanks.

To those whove supported me in spirit through this amazing and mad journey. Know that you truly are honoured, daily.

To those writers it has been my pleasure to know, and for your invaluable advice. Especially useful when the goings been tough.

To Mum, Dad, David and the (growing) family, for putting up with me. And, of course, Fen and Harry, for the unconditional love.

So whats a Druid?

This question is generally danced around, in these days of political correctness. But it hangs in the air between the smartly-dressed normal person and the woman in robes, staff in hand, adorned with leaves.

I consider myself very fortunate to live in these times, when I can live my spirituality openly and not be castigated, criticised or driven out of my community. In fact, Ive found that most people are curious enough to approach and ask questions, once they see my smile and know that its OK. Conversation and discussion all help understanding and, once the common ground is found, theres very little negativity (the occasional joke about golden sickles and henges notwithstanding).

Everyone has an ingrained urge to question, never really able to shake off their childish curiosity about that which they do not understand (and theres quite a lot of that in the world). Were all humans, walking our path and striving to do our best, within our understanding, with what we are told and what we learn for ourselves along the way. Without some level of seeking, we remain closed, cut off from everything around, unable to fully participate or connect unable to really live.

Unfortunately, the downside to this secular, modern world is that it is difficult to construct the appropriate language in which to question, to frame sincere and honest curiosity correctly and yet remain polite. But overcoming fear of the unknown is a great strength, and Im glad that so many take that leap in simply taking an interest.

I prefer the straightforward approach.

How can you call yourself a Druid?

It was my decision to do so essentially, to label myself. The easiest answer is that Druid is the word that describes most easily what I do, quick shorthand that aids understanding when a long explanation wont be heard. Everybody has an idea of what a Druid is. The next common question involves white robes (and my own lack of).

The Druids were, and are, the priests of this land, my homeland by birth. Everywhere has its indigenous priests, the shamans and wild folk, those who work more deeply with the seasons and the spirits than most everyday folk. The Druids were those of the British Isles.

Modern Paganism is the fastest-growing spiritual path of the twenty-first century, as people seek meaning from the actions of their ancestors and relationship with the living world around them. Philosophy, Religion and Science have not solved the mysteries of human living but these join together in the Druid, the teacher and seeker, leading the way between the known and unknown.

I claimed the responsibility and duties of this title before my Gods as part of my promise, as Awenydd (Priest), one storm-tossed night on Anglesey, and am reminded of it often. Every time I stand up to take my place as officiant at a public rite; when simply speaking quietly to advise a patient who is lost and afraid, in the ovatic green work uniform that I used to wear; even just in my everyday life.

Who sees the connections, the web between us all, in these cynical post-modern times? Walking the fine line between empirical reality and subjective otherworldliness, a line so sharp that if you step the wrong way, madness follows. But which is preferable the madness of seeing too clearly the enormity of it all, or the far more acceptable insanity of ultra-normality?

Once the promise is made to truly see, to be aware, awake and responsible, there is no turning back. Nor would I want to.

Simply put, I bear witness as part of my connection to the wider universe of which I am a tiny part. To the turning of the year, the changing times, relationships held and lost, times of darkness and light. The difference in energy between night and day, laughter and anger, wakefulness and sleep. Truth and falsehood.

I promised to walk my Truth as best I can and, of course, it isnt easy. It means I cannot simply overlook wrongness for the sake of simplicity and a quiet life from the crying woman alone on a street corner, to the sale of meat so far removed from its original state that it can scarcely be called food.

If modern priests (both pagan and of all faiths) do not help those who need it, whether immediately in front of us or far away, then who will? Who is there to listen, to see, to hold a hand that has absolutely nobody else in the world? To get dirty and messy in those bloody and screaming times when far more rational folk turn the other way and walk by, scared to even look for fear of what they may see?

I dont claim to be perfect, nor is my life full of sweetness, ease and Enlightenment. I dont think it could be, not while remaining real. I fall down as much as the next person but each time, I try to learn, to take that pain and carry its tale with me, so I see it better in others and understand.

My Druidry is my life and my work, my joy and my darkness. I walk my path, moving forward with my eyes open. I cannot turn back.

Prior to a talk that I was giving on Druidry at a national convention, I asked for questions from friends (both pagan and not). I include some of the responses here.

I love being asked questions you never know what folk will ask. Such discussion also helps enormously in questioning myself, ensuring that I really do believe what Im saying... and if I dont, how best to elaborate on feelings and experiences that are often very difficult to describe.

Can you see Druidry as a mass religion of the future, and do you think that shamanic practices will help society to be less self-centred?

In a word no. It never was, and I dont think it ever will be a mass anything. There are always going to be those who want to stand forward as well as those happier to sit quietly; thats all part of the variety of Us! But to link to another two questions (which have been pinging around in my head all day because theyre rather good):