Ritual
In accord with the Basic Tenets, Reformed Druid worship is directed toward Nature. Services involve gathering in a wooded place periodically (the original group met weekly during warm weather) and on the festival days of Northern European Pagan tradition. Services typically include:
- The ritual consumption of "spirits" (Scotch whisky blended with water), called "the Waters-of-Life".
- The singing of religious songs.
- The performance of ceremonial chanting.
- Prayers and meditations.
The written liturgy calls for a "sacrifice of life". An early disagreement, recounted in The Druid Chronicles, was resolved by limiting the sacrifice to plant life, whence the term "Reformed" was adopted as part of the group's name.
According to ancient Druid custom, the officiating Druids, and others who so wish, traditionally wear long white robes, the robe of the Arch-Druid having a distinctive decoration or color. The Waters-of-Life are usually passed to all present as a symbol of the link man has with Nature. Incantation recalling ancient Celtic mythology is also used. In order to focus attention on Nature, various aspects of it retain the names of corresponding Celtic gods and goddesses. For example:
- Dalon Ap Landu – the grove
- Grannos – healing springs
- Braciaca – malt
- Belenos – the sun
- Sirona – rivers
- Taranis – thunder and lightning
- Llyr- the sea
- Danu – fertility
Read more about this topic: Reformed Druids Of North America
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