Archive for Wednesday 11th September 2002 - Druid acestors
Our Druid ancestors may hold the key to tackling the stress of modern life. Current-day stress counsellors recommend slowing down, taking stock and reflecting on the meaning of life. But these ‘latest’ de-stressing techniques appear to have ancient roots. For the Druids, such rituals were part and parcel of everyday life, according to Druid author Emma Restall Orr. Ms Restall Orr, Joint Chief of the British Druid Order, says that: “Ritual is the fine art of taking a break. Pausing on the path of everyday life to contemplate, peruse and confirm our direction, to realise the extraordinary beauty of the potential of the world around us.’ All life’s main landmarks are still celebrated by modern-day Druids: birth, naming, the passage of childhood, the transition to adulthood, marriage, becoming an elder and funeral rites.

There is no dogma and personal creativity is encouraged. The key to all these rituals, according to Restall Orr, is to use the ‘sacred’ space created in the ceremonies to ‘clear our perceptions and make our awareness more profound.’

For more information visit: www.nemeton.demon.co.uk

Order Emma Restall Orr’s book, Ritual: A Guide to Life, Love & Inspiration for £9.99 (post and packing is FREE). Offer open to UK only.
Call 0870 0703 200 or send a cheque/PO payable to Mirror Direct, POBox 60 Helston Cornwall TR13 OTP.

Mark Winter