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Shamanism
Shamanism is in essence a state of mind, a way of viewing life as a whole. The shaman gains insights and wisdom by connecting with other parts of creation and healing the divisions that exist between the separate pieces. Such divisions can occur anywhere: within the self, within groups, between people and environment, and so on.
The word shaman comes from the Tungusic dialog of the Ural-Atlantic tribes of Siberia. Shamans were responsible for officiating at ceremonies and rituals, tending the sick and caring for all aspects of the spiritual well being of the people.
Shamanism does not recognize age, gender, race or religious doctrines and so it is available to everyone. Indeed, many people have had shamanic experiences without labelling them as such. It could even be said that some important scientific discoveries have been instigated by shamanic experiences. Humans are a part of creation and shamanism is our way of connecting with the whole. It is a fundamental part of our heritage and, although the connection may be weakened by modern life, the ability to connect, and the inclination to do so, is still present. Thought the site we will introduce you towards the basics practices of Shamanism, guiding you towards wisdom through rituals, journeying, and working with dreams.
Druids
The Druids were the Priests - Magicians - of the Celtic people.
They were Priests and Prietesses.
Although since Christian times Druids have been identified as wizards and soothsayers, in pre-Christian Celtic society they formed an intellectual class comprising philosophers, judges, educators, historians, doctors, seers, astronomers, and astrologers. The earliest surviving Classical references to Druids date to the 2nd century B.C.
The word "Druidae" is of Celtic origin. The Roman writer Pliny the Elder (Gaius Plinius Secundus, 23/24-79 A.D.) believed it to be a cognate with the Greek work "drus," meaning "an oak." "Dru-wid" combines the word roots "oak" and "knowledge" ("wid" means "to know" or "to see" - as in the Sanskrit "vid"). The oak (together with the rowan and hazel) was an important sacred tree to the Druids. In the Celtic social system, Druid was a title given to learned men and women possessing "oak knowledge" (or "oak wisdom").
The Druids emerged from the ancient Celtic tribes, at a time when the people had to live close to nature to survive. By the light of the storyteller's fire, and with the play of the harp, the Druids dreamed magic for their people. In the deep woods they would gather, bringing together their mysticism and philosophy, their insight and learning. Their spirit emerged from the the tides of the sea, the light of the sun, the wind in the Oak, the cry of the deer. In this way, they created an institution that inspired, frightened, and uplifted their world.
To learn more about Druidism, visit this site (That's where I got this info from) http://www.crystalinks.com/druids.html .
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