Hello! I have recently launched my own website www.jacobtoddson.com that has a list of events that I am running/assisting over the next few months! I have also created a new line of merchandise called "Ancient Ways, Today" focused on historical designs from around the world. This channel and it's content is only possible through the support of you amazing viewers and supporters of my work 🙏 It's just me behind the camera, so any support is always appreciated, even if it is just a comment and a like. Thank you! And I hope to see you at a retreat in the future. www.jacobtoddson.com
I was born and reared in rural west Ireland in the early 1950s. Many of my old relatives and neighbours were born in the 1800s and they firmly believed in Two "Religions" - Catholicism and Druidic "Fairy" Religion. They were loyal to both belief systems but if anything, they believed more in "Fairy forts", Sacred festivals such as Oíche Shamhna, Bealaine, Lâ Féile Bríde (St Brigid's Day), Leprechauns who were Shoemakers to the "Fairies" et al. They saw Catholicism as a recent arrival and Druidism as the real deal. Thanks for your interesting treatment of the Drudic tradition in Alban/Scotland.
Way back when you Either joined the Church or you Died, literally, accussed of being a Witch. Many times Chathol8cs built their Churches ON ANCIENT Celtic Sacred Sites
Im a druid of the modern aspects of druidry. Something so old so long go, even without the absence of words you can still feel the ancient druids within the the forest. Im dreamt of them since i was a child and also felt a deep connection to their way of life and how much they revered our Tree friends and the folk that rule the sacred spaces within. Something so intense it makes you weep at the sight of a torn down tree or an overturned stone. I live near Sherwood forest Nottinghamshire, we have the druid stone not to far away its nice to see a video remembering the ancestors that once walked the earth. Norse and celtic paganism is very simular, ive always been drawn to the old ways more traditional. I agree we cant practice or do not know the ways of the old of the druids but if you can feel the magic of their presence in the silent groves and lush rivers or the standing stones that act as the gateway to the memories of what was you should definitely follow your heart. Its sad that many practices were wiped out overnight, it makes you think anyone that is willing to take gold and silver to convert to Christianity was not really a daughter or son of the gods. Im more of a Floki ❤️
I feel much the same. I'm Celt-Iberian from Portugal. We have tons of stone circles and ancient holy places all over Portugal. People just don't have a true connection to nature anymore. Most suffer from nature deficit disorder nowadays.!.
Damn I don't know how you managed to fit so much history and info into one 20 min video! Safe travels friend and thanks for letting me live vicariously through you
Reason why the Druids did not write things down. (And I found this out by talking with Navajo shaman, cause they don’t either). You orally pass everything down cause the world and times are never the same; society and the great mother is always changing, and the exact verbology will never remain the same from generation to generation. The exact words are not what’s important. When you write it down it becomes dogma. And when you go that route, the true meaning(s) are lost. Cause now you’ve created dogma, instead of overall meaning and how it can be applied to the current times. I mean, rules of life and growing food is not the same today as it was in the ice age or Bronze Age or during times of war or catastrophes. Different mindsets that don’t apply to now.
Well said! People have asked about my "Pagan Path" and I have to ask them to begin their own path as we are not starting from the same "point" - and neither could we. I can share information - such as the Druids did - but I can not and WILL NOT try to influence someone to believe as I believe - not even my own Wife! 😀😀😀I know of other "religions" that have a system where you have to believe certain things and act in certain ways, but that seems too much like "cloning" to me and is something I outright object to.
As a druid, I'm very happy to see this video! I just sat down on my balcony with my tea surrounded by plants and saw that you posted this. This is the perfect way to start my morning. 🌲💚
@@VoodooViking That's wonderful to hear! Unfortunately at the moment I live in a crowded apartment in a noisy suburb (not my ideal location), but I'm very close to a lovely trail that's full of nature and forested areas, so I try to spend as much of my time there as possible. Can't wait until I can live on my own land again. 💚
I've been dipping my toes onto paganism in order to find my spirituality and your channel has been as necessary as water to me! You show so much information with so much respect and genuine interest on what you're talking and searching, it helped me a lot. Thank you!
Stopped claiming I was a druid ages ago. Thomas Sheridan sorted me out on this, he's put a few posts up about it. I see it as a liberty and dishonest as we know so little about them. They had to undergo about 20 years of training to become qualified. We don't know what that training was and I'd rather keep my sense of honesty. All very sad that the umbilical chord to our ancestors has been severely attacked and I'm all for weaving fragments back together as best we can but I refuse to be dishonest or self misleading and indeed to mislead others with false claims. Enjoyed the video though.
There's nothing dishonest about claiming to live like a druid just because we don't know a fraction. Being close to nature and the universe make you Druid minded
@@douglasrusinko1383 My thoughts were about my personal view, I find it a dishonest claim, personally. I don't care if you think you're batman, with respect. I also affiliate with the ideas and feelings but want to respect my ancestors that actually did the initiation. And my own words to be accurate as possible as part of that path.
@@FloatingLeaf1111 Well not really. Knowing little isn't the same as nothing can be know and that the gods never reveal themselves. The supernatural can be known.. I believe I've had experiences of the guardian spirit of Silbury hill and that spirit has saved my life with warnings of future events. Druid in application but humble that I may not have passed the grade, yet. Spirit lets us know of it's existence through auguries, synchronicity, intuition, voices, visions, direct experience and reincarnation.
Ancient druidry spanned many centuries (likely over a thousand years) across most of a continent, so we can be quite sure there was a large amount of variety between druids in different times and places. Given this, and given the powerful role of the druid as imagined and reimagined in the Irish mythological cycles, what is illegitimate about new traditions ("neo-druidry") for new times, drawing on the few but potent leads we have left on what the druids were? There will be many who call themselves druids without an "adequate" training in the eyes of others, but don't you think that always existed, especially in the twilight years of ancient druidry in early medieval Britain and Ireland? If druidry had survived unbroken into the present, I don't think it would have ever had a single orthodoxy, or unchanged 1st century BC sensibilities. It would be made up of 20th and 21st century men and women just as all present religions are. It surely would look like a richer form of what exists now in neo-druidry. The druids once were created, and all of their traditions were once brand new, while drawing from what came before.
Awesome video mate. The two words that come to mind in this video is Beauty and Sorrow. I do feel deep sorrow for all that christianity has erased from our ancient past. But such is life and we can do nothing but move foreword. Excited for the next one! Safe travels out there
The forced introduction of Christianity into Europe and its succeeding history was a great calamity. When the church was institutionalised the free people lost their liberties and became serfs, slaves. We still are not free.
I grew up near Anglesea, now living in Hertfordshire. I spend a lot of time in a small woodland, frequently taking small crystals to throw into the stream as an offering.
The production value you bring to your videos is off the charts! I watch this and think to myself that this could very well be a PBS series on Paganism. Thank you for all the great work you do for the Pagan community, and I can't wait to see more!
I live in Humboldt County, on California’s North Coast, land of the Ancient Redwoods. Paganism is very popular here among the mists that have nurtured these magnificent trees over many millennia. There is also a strong Druidic presence here, or so I have been told by students of their schools. Thank you for covering the lands and spiritual practices of my Celtic ancestors. I’m wondering if we might gradually reconstruct the ways and teachings of the ancient Druids by the use of ancestral magick, connecting with ancient Druids on the astral plane. If I’m having this idea now, there may already be people working on this project, that’s the way collective consciousness works.
Ayyyy! Fellow humboldtian! I dig your perspective. Hope the redwoods are keeping you well. Something Ive been trying to do lately is Learn from the Yurok and Wyott about their practices before us and respectfully incorperate them into my own Irish heritage. Historically the Irish and native actually worked together during the 17-1800s, with each side helping the other. There was actually a huge push from the irish to give back native lands. Really cool stuff worth checking out. Shout out to you homie! Hope youre wel😊
I think you may be onto something. Astral projection and similar practices can open up all kinds of possibilities. I’ve been very interested in astral projection for awhile now. There is also what’s called the “Akashic records”. It’s a kind of library where the history of everything that has ever happened is stored. I’m not quite as knowledgeable on that but surely that might be a place to learn about the past! When I hear humboldt I think of cannabis haha :)
I live in the Laurel Highlands of SW Pennsylvania. This place in your video looks like places here. We have hundreds of places like this. Big rocks, water, caverns. Something deep in my bones feels a sense of reverence every time I visit these places. I can see why my Germanic and Scottish ancestors settled this land.
I don't know if you'll see this, but I'm from Maryland and used to visit Glen Rock PA for the Spoutwood Faerie festival until they had to close it down. I know what you mean by the land feeling very vibrant, primal, and alive there. It's really exhilarating!
Love this. I felt an instant connection on watching. I must have been a Druid in past lives, as I adore, revere, nurture and protect trees. My spirit wants to travel back in time, to feel the pure, clean air, clear waters, magic stones, beautiful foliage, and the fabric of those ways in ancient days.
@@EmilyLavinder-bp7soYeh cities are hella ghey I like trees and air and water also I probably was a druid before. You use dead tree skin to clean your ass your not no true druid like me I don't wipe at all
Most of my ancestry is Celtic, with Germanic and Slavic next- so I'm very moved by any really good portrayal like this. Thank you! Slainte! Danke! Sposibye!
Druid here. Am supposed to be a "green witch". This video resonated so much in ways I cannot even begin to explain. Certain locations that you showed can really feel the connection, even through the screen. Obsessively watching and reading everything that I can regarding the subject these days. Thank you for the wonderful video!
@@Inquisitor_Vex especially when the video by someone that's done the research says we don't know much about it, just records by the Romans and Irish monks...
@@Inquisitor_Vex put your hands in the air and yell "I'm a druid, my name is Gandalf". No one knows for sure how people became a druid. Modern "druids" come from books written in the last couple of hundred years. Unfortunately for the "druids" they have been proven to be mostly 🐂💩.
What an amazing location, and ashamed to admit, I didn't know about it. I'm glad you chose to film in an historical druidic spot, rather than bring us footage of stonehenge on summer solstice or something. Yeah, that's the way to connect to the Druids. Beautiful film. Thank you for travelling all over the place to bring us the magical places of Britain.
Thank you, Jacob! At 3:33 you suggest that you are at a place (Dunino Den) that was "more than likely used by the ancient Druids." How do we know that this was "more than likely" the case? Like many others, I'd like more info on the Druids than the accidents of History have left for us, and some more info about Dunino Den especially since I just recently visited the place. If you know of any peer-reviewed materials - archaeological, cultural, religious, historical-critical - that analyze the Den, please share them. In any event, the Den is a very interesting and peaceful place to see...like so many other places where one finds ancient ruins in Scotland. Pax!
Beautiful Video! It seems that the Druids also did this: (in Austria at least, Georg Rohrecker would be an Author to read). They kept simple hostels on the wayside and on mountain passes, where you could stay the night, ask the way and get healing if needed. I think, this is a great idea to do , because you only need to talk to everybody who comes into the country just a little .... and you know quite a lot more about who comes into the country, what they want, and what goes on in other places.
Years ago I had a dream that I had a long conversation with a druid sitting in a dolmen. Sometime later a friend gave me a book that had that picture in it. I may never be a druid in the ancient sense, but I honor nature and do what I can to tred softly and leave no trace, while learning all that I can from it.
You put together a wonderful presentation that brought tears to learn our ancestors were such a civilized society. We as a society have to understand where and whom we came from in history to understand where we are going
There is information from history that these civilized people came from the territory of present day Turkey (formerly the great Armenians) but they were Christians and brought a great culture.
@@lianaminasyan1783 how do you know it aint the other way around and celt culture went to modern day turkey through trade, anatolians in what was then part of europe was celt before being invaded and colonised by islam and Caucasian mountains being claimed as asia, never heard Armenians being celt though..
Celtic Society was truly egalitarian as adult women, mothers, were also warriors. You would not want to face a Celtic Mama on a battle field! Those too young and too old to fight held things down in the villages, took care of the very young and very old.
Thank you for giving us a glimpse of these sacred groves! Your presentation was fantastically informative, and I appreciate the effort you put into it.
that was a great video, I recommend "The Druid Path" for anyone wanting to walk a path that resembles that of the druids. While this is not a history book, but rather a modern guide to practice, it still provides an inspirational look into the modern practice of Druidry. farewell
What's so wild to me about your youtube channel is that I feel like i get to spend time with you. I hear the interest and passion in your voice. I look forward to making a trip with you one day! Remember my name, dear friend ❤
thank you so much for this video! as a young, starting celtic/norse pagan, your videos have helped me so much on my path, especially this video. i’ve been finding it difficult to find good information about celtic paganism, so your videos have been a wonderful source, as well as a wonderful way to learn about sites that i’ve never known of. i’ve always been in love with (and felt very connected to) ireland and scotland for as long as i can remember. i’m working on planning a trip to both ireland and scotland for next year. thank you so much for sharing your travels and research!
You yourself are majical, the excitement you bring when offering this information is just wonderful. This was just great to watch, and learn. You keep going, and take care.
Anyone else notice the rock face that overlooks the water at timestamp 4:56 has an outline of a face. (separate from the face carved into the stone that's pointed out to us. ) This one is the whole of the rockface. I've often have looked at such as a guardian spirit keeping watch over such a sacred place. THIS .... VIDEO ... IS AWESOME! Well done.
Sidenote ... I consider myself a Norse-Gaelic Druid of Turtle Island. All that means is I've felt myself a druid for many years and influenced by the Norse pantheon and beliefs with Gaelic a round the edges and a huge foundation built from teachings from wisdom of various elders of various tribes among the first peoples of the Americas. The Stonehenge modern ceremonies. .... That got me thinking that we all evolve from the wisdom we gain. It's a part of what I've always felt Odin pushes us towards ... gaining wisdom whenever and wherever we can and using it to better ourselves and our life's journey. Modern druids have simply evolved and are using or tapping into sacred sites of old. We can't help but to do that here in the Americas. Just over a year ago, I felt led to perform a personal ceremony at an old shell ring on Hilton Head Island in SC. Did so with respect and offerings lifted for those original peoples who used that spot as part of the ceremony. Have done similar to other natural world places here in the Blue Ridge of Virginia that you can just feel has been sacred for generations .... before the coming of the settlers. Likely sacred to the first peoples of this land. Balancing act to be sure, but still. ..... That bit in the video made me look at how we experience, learn, adapt, grow and continue moving forward. Jacob, your showing the modern things people are doing was / is so important in speaking towards the journey of these sites as well as how things have evolved and changed .... but how they are still here. The locations and the people seeking those connections. Again ... Nicely done. (Typing as I work my way through it and to the point of the upside down stump )
Thanks for your super background on this topics, the locations were really well chosen and it was really cool to get a glimpse of the infamous Isle of Anglesea where the Romans did their destructive work. Another great video, thanks!!!
Jacob, are you familiar with the ancient Coastal and Giant Redwoods of coastal Northern California? Despite the horrors of clear-cutting of these noble giants in the 1990’s, there are still many of these venerable trees that are well over 1,500 years old, even a few in the area of 2,500 years old. These most magnificent trees are often large enough in diameter that it can take a group of 20 or more to form a complete "tree hug." As you might expect, these dense ancient forests have a very special magic that has made this area popular to Pagans of all stripes, including a thriving sect of Druids, for many years.
Thank you for this film. Interesting and informative with beautiful scenery. Whenever I visit areas that are associated with Druids The atmosphere has a special energy .
the sacred grove you were in I beleive was in the show Outlander! In the firsts easona I beleive! Claire was made to swear her truth in there to prove herself!
Thank you so much for this. You've led me on such a rewarding journey through your videos on Celtic paganism and especially through your lessons and musing on the Druids. With your inspiration, I've found my path ahead. I am so so thankful. Safe travels.
this was so cool. I have a distant irish lineage and this helped me connect and respect the reality of these people and culture. amazing video. lobe your work. grateful. sending bessings. 😇💛👍🌞
Thank you for this very informative ad beautiful video. I have a fascination with Celtic lore and this makes me want to visit the U. K. more than ever.
If you get a chance, have a look at "The Rocky Valley" just outside of Tintagel in Cornwall, including St. Nectarns Glen & Kieve & Whistman's Wood, which is between Two Bridges & Postbridge on Dartmoor, Devon
If youre still in scotland and want to visit a place with incredible energy, and history, i super recommend the Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides. Thank you for exploring my home and country!
Sadly, yes. We folk of these islands worshipped a multitude of gods now lost to legend: Thunor, Frig, Woden, Tiw and others. All eradicated by the zealous followers of the Christian one god. Only a few place names and a handful of archaeological finds show the Old Gods held sway for hundreds of years.
Cajun's in Louisiana still harvest mistletoe that way, except the rule is you cannot use a knife and they do spread a sheet to catch it so it does not hit the ground because it will lose its magic
When my friend was young his family took a trip, they camped somewhere outside the stone henge greater area. He heard the most beautiful singing when he woke up at night, ghostly. He is in his 80s now It is interesting how big the area is, considering everything still buried. Bigger rings are still underground.
I don't know your background, or what lead you to makeing these videos, but they have been AMAZING. I went on a journey trying to find where my family originated from. Which, lead me to a lot of generalized areas. Right now, I am reading about Neolithic and mesolithic eras. My family has a long history of farming, and it's really jnteredting to see the transitions our ancestors went through and different farming practices that might have happened. I am waiting to read the Norse Broze Age, very excited.
Thank you for going out there and doing this documentary! My ancestors are from Feremauh (spelled wrong) County. Seeing where some of my ancestors might have been is amazing! Well done!
Great video. I love it. All the power to Druidic practitioners, The Romans percecuted them because Druidic idea conflicts with Monotheism. But, we learn from the mistakes of those that came before us, so all the power to you.
I was on the Unity Asset Store trying to find things to create my game... and this video popped up once the video on a totally different site ended. I haven't watched anything on your channel in a while!! Weird that this would pop up. Glad to be back in these parts!
Hi Jacob, so lovely to find you here today through my search for more information. So much delight to find that the video suggested is yours. What a wonderful life. We met at Dunino the day you filmed there. Love the video xx
I watched this with eclectic vision having stumbled onto who the Druids or Dravids in Sanskrit are. Britain is very close to Sanskrit meaning "finger like". 🤔 (Before I go any further, as a missionary child in India, learning to respect other cultures & religions, I have been shunned as "the devil" for breaking ONE RACE & ONE RELIGION! I'm in my 11th year of SOLITUDE in middle 70s. Taught by Christians to leave religion and KNOW by my NDE Experiences.) 1st, imagine the dravids were missionary with ancient vedic knowing to improve the lives in the world🤔 Water & sacred rivers. Plants and medicine. Cremation misunderstood (projection of human sacrifice). India has a festival of "LIGHT" or celebration of FIRE. India has a long history of schools, starting 1st veterinary medical to heal animals wounded by invaders. There are many very old stone works in India. You did very well, such that I recognized similarities to give even more confidence to the unique knowing from coincidences. Thank you ❤
A very interesting video! I'm from Mexico and here the mesoamerican cultures also had a very deep connection with their deities, so much of what they did had a religious significance. Do you know if the Celts practiced any "sports" or "games" that were kind of rituals or that had a religious connection?
Great video as always, thank you! Regarding upturned stumps, have a look into 'Seahenge' in Norfolk here in the UK, a huge upturned tree stump surrounded by a wall of timber posts dating from the bronze age, Seahenge II found nearby, constructed at the same time..very interesting! Looking forward to your next video.
Definitely one of the best examinations of the Druids that I've seen, friend! Well done! You always manage to present your material as objectively as possible, without an entrenched bias but always personal and passionate. A rare achievement, Jacob. Keep doing what you're doing, we're inspired by your work.
Great video dude thanks for creating this. My family is from Abernethy Perth and Kinross in Scotland and every single thing you said resonates in spirit with me. Sending love
Hey Jacob, i recently just moved from that area (Dunino) and my family stayed there for 35 years. I just wanted to say a few things about some of the stuff down there, all the carvings were done after 2000 apart from Celtic cross which was said by my old neighbour to have been carved by the son of the local minister in the 1950's. We were just up from the Den at a row of houses called "Belstane Cottages" Also worth noting is that the hill behind Dunino church is said to be an iron age hillfort and you get a magnificent panoramic view from atop it however there is a lot of jaggy gorse bush's on the peak. I have no idea who done the carvings but i do remember when they were freshly made and how quickly the faded down and looked ancient. The Celtic cross when we moved to the area in the 1980's was also a lot more crisp and distinct i would be surprised if you could still tell what it is in a couple of decades. I stumbled across your channel recently and been enjoying the content and was pleasantly surprised to see myself and my old pups former usual walk spot featured, all the best for the rest of your travels)
Thank you so much for these videos, I really appreciate all of the research and work you put into them. I am really enjoying the places you are showing as well, I really hope to get the chance to visit a few of these locations someday!
Druids were also "time keepers". It was a matter of life and death to till, sow, tend, harvest and store your crops. So planting and the rest be done at the right season. We have the Fire holidays, Beltaine etc, but holidays for tending land were different. Imbolc for example was for the lambing time. I became a Druid in 1971 after having university classes in comparative religion. We didn't study Druidism or even Pagan practices. We studied the major 3 or 4 faiths and I saw how corrupt, inhumane and soul strangling they were. So I have been a Druid for half a century. I live in the Pacific Northwest, Portland area, and led a grove of fellow Druids. We were the Glendover Grove and I served as Archdruid for 10 years. Blessed be!
Hello! I have recently launched my own website www.jacobtoddson.com that has a list of events that I am running/assisting over the next few months! I have also created a new line of merchandise called "Ancient Ways, Today" focused on historical designs from around the world.
This channel and it's content is only possible through the support of you amazing viewers and supporters of my work 🙏 It's just me behind the camera, so any support is always appreciated, even if it is just a comment and a like.
Thank you! And I hope to see you at a retreat in the future.
www.jacobtoddson.com
I was born and reared in rural west Ireland in the early 1950s. Many of my old relatives and neighbours were born in the 1800s and they firmly believed in Two "Religions" - Catholicism and Druidic "Fairy" Religion. They were loyal to both belief systems but if anything, they believed more in "Fairy forts", Sacred festivals such as Oíche Shamhna, Bealaine, Lâ Féile Bríde (St Brigid's Day), Leprechauns who were Shoemakers to the "Fairies" et al. They saw Catholicism as a recent arrival and Druidism as the real deal. Thanks for your interesting treatment of the Drudic tradition in Alban/Scotland.
Thank you SO MUCH for sharing ❤❤❤❤
Way back when you Either joined the Church or you Died, literally, accussed of being a Witch. Many times Chathol8cs built their Churches ON ANCIENT Celtic Sacred Sites
Thanks. I am 71, and fairies are on my mind. I do have Irish ancestors.
Im a druid of the modern aspects of druidry. Something so old so long go, even without the absence of words you can still feel the ancient druids within the the forest. Im dreamt of them since i was a child and also felt a deep connection to their way of life and how much they revered our Tree friends and the folk that rule the sacred spaces within. Something so intense it makes you weep at the sight of a torn down tree or an overturned stone. I live near Sherwood forest Nottinghamshire, we have the druid stone not to far away its nice to see a video remembering the ancestors that once walked the earth.
Norse and celtic paganism is very simular, ive always been drawn to the old ways more traditional. I agree we cant practice or do not know the ways of the old of the druids but if you can feel the magic of their presence in the silent groves and lush rivers or the standing stones that act as the gateway to the memories of what was you should definitely follow your heart. Its sad that many practices were wiped out overnight, it makes you think anyone that is willing to take gold and silver to convert to Christianity was not really a daughter or son of the gods. Im more of a Floki ❤️
I feel much the same. I'm Celt-Iberian from Portugal. We have tons of stone circles and ancient holy places all over Portugal. People just don't have a true connection to nature anymore. Most suffer from nature deficit disorder nowadays.!.
Damn I don't know how you managed to fit so much history and info into one 20 min video! Safe travels friend and thanks for letting me live vicariously through you
3 months of filming and lots of editing 😂
Glad you enjoyed! You would have loved the Druid den!
Reason why the Druids did not write things down. (And I found this out by talking with Navajo shaman, cause they don’t either). You orally pass everything down cause the world and times are never the same; society and the great mother is always changing, and the exact verbology will never remain the same from generation to generation. The exact words are not what’s important. When you write it down it becomes dogma. And when you go that route, the true meaning(s) are lost. Cause now you’ve created dogma, instead of overall meaning and how it can be applied to the current times. I mean, rules of life and growing food is not the same today as it was in the ice age or Bronze Age or during times of war or catastrophes. Different mindsets that don’t apply to now.
Well said! People have asked about my "Pagan Path" and I have to ask them to begin their own path as we are not starting from the same "point" - and neither could we. I can share information - such as the Druids did - but I can not and WILL NOT try to influence someone to believe as I believe - not even my own Wife! 😀😀😀I know of other "religions" that have a system where you have to believe certain things and act in certain ways, but that seems too much like "cloning" to me and is something I outright object to.
Interesting take on this subject, I might have to try it that way then. You both brought up very good points. Ty.
Absolutely !!! So few of us actually get that . . . ❤😊❤
This is really beautiful and profound.
Until now when the bulk of the tradition is totally lost… I’d say it would be better to have a written history
As a druid, I'm very happy to see this video! I just sat down on my balcony with my tea surrounded by plants and saw that you posted this. This is the perfect way to start my morning. 🌲💚
Good morning 🌳 Hope you enjoy the video!
Same here I’m enjoying a few beers while watching my garden and looking at the cranes on the pond.
@@VoodooViking That sounds lovely! Say hello to the cranes for me. I'll wait a few hours before I get into my beers. 😉
@@Ellary_Rosewood I live on seven acres. So lots to look at
@@VoodooViking That's wonderful to hear! Unfortunately at the moment I live in a crowded apartment in a noisy suburb (not my ideal location), but I'm very close to a lovely trail that's full of nature and forested areas, so I try to spend as much of my time there as possible. Can't wait until I can live on my own land again. 💚
I've been dipping my toes onto paganism in order to find my spirituality and your channel has been as necessary as water to me! You show so much information with so much respect and genuine interest on what you're talking and searching, it helped me a lot. Thank you!
That's what I have always hoped to do with my content, thank you!
Im here 6 months later to say the same thing! Hi! ❤🎉
As a Nordic pagan believer also wonder about Druids so much.
Thank you Jacob for this amazing video. Hello from Türkiye
Stopped claiming I was a druid ages ago. Thomas Sheridan sorted me out on this, he's put a few posts up about it. I see it as a liberty and dishonest as we know so little about them. They had to undergo about 20 years of training to become qualified. We don't know what that training was and I'd rather keep my sense of honesty. All very sad that the umbilical chord to our ancestors has been severely attacked and I'm all for weaving fragments back together as best we can but I refuse to be dishonest or self misleading and indeed to mislead others with false claims. Enjoyed the video though.
There's nothing dishonest about claiming to live like a druid just because we don't know a fraction. Being close to nature and the universe make you Druid minded
@@douglasrusinko1383
My thoughts were about my personal view, I find it a dishonest claim, personally. I don't care if you think you're batman, with respect.
I also affiliate with the ideas and feelings but want to respect my ancestors that actually did the initiation.
And my own words to be accurate as possible as part of that path.
@@jasoncox7257 deffentlly
@@FloatingLeaf1111 Well not really. Knowing little isn't the same as nothing can be know and that the gods never reveal themselves. The supernatural can be known.. I believe I've had experiences of the guardian spirit of Silbury hill and that spirit has saved my life with warnings of future events.
Druid in application but humble that I may not have passed the grade, yet.
Spirit lets us know of it's existence through auguries, synchronicity, intuition, voices, visions, direct experience and reincarnation.
Ancient druidry spanned many centuries (likely over a thousand years) across most of a continent, so we can be quite sure there was a large amount of variety between druids in different times and places. Given this, and given the powerful role of the druid as imagined and reimagined in the Irish mythological cycles, what is illegitimate about new traditions ("neo-druidry") for new times, drawing on the few but potent leads we have left on what the druids were? There will be many who call themselves druids without an "adequate" training in the eyes of others, but don't you think that always existed, especially in the twilight years of ancient druidry in early medieval Britain and Ireland? If druidry had survived unbroken into the present, I don't think it would have ever had a single orthodoxy, or unchanged 1st century BC sensibilities. It would be made up of 20th and 21st century men and women just as all present religions are. It surely would look like a richer form of what exists now in neo-druidry. The druids once were created, and all of their traditions were once brand new, while drawing from what came before.
Awesome video mate. The two words that come to mind in this video is Beauty and Sorrow. I do feel deep sorrow for all that christianity has erased from our ancient past. But such is life and we can do nothing but move foreword. Excited for the next one! Safe travels out there
The forced introduction of Christianity into Europe and its succeeding history was a great calamity. When the church was institutionalised the free people lost their liberties and became serfs, slaves. We still are not free.
Well that's all fine and good but make sure the New druidism doesn't include human sacrifice
@@jorgecaneda4595No, Christianity Is Human Being And Jesus Is Not God.
@@jorgecaneda4595Paganism Believe Gods Is God And Christians Believe In Human Is God.
@@jorgecaneda4595 🦋🧚🏻 The true, unadulterated, pure Druidism did not involve human sacrifice!
I grew up near Anglesea, now living in Hertfordshire. I spend a lot of time in a small woodland, frequently taking small crystals to throw into the stream as an offering.
The production value you bring to your videos is off the charts! I watch this and think to myself that this could very well be a PBS series on Paganism. Thank you for all the great work you do for the Pagan community, and I can't wait to see more!
Imagine what I could do with a full film crew 😂! This is with my hobbit ass taking buses alone 😂 In seriousness thank you 🙏
I live in Humboldt County, on California’s North Coast, land of the Ancient Redwoods. Paganism is very popular here among the mists that have nurtured these magnificent trees over many millennia. There is also a strong Druidic presence here, or so I have been told by students of their schools. Thank you for covering the lands and spiritual practices of my Celtic ancestors. I’m wondering if we might gradually reconstruct the ways and teachings of the ancient Druids by the use of ancestral magick, connecting with ancient Druids on the astral plane. If I’m having this idea now, there may already be people working on this project, that’s the way collective consciousness works.
Demon worship
Ayyyy! Fellow humboldtian! I dig your perspective. Hope the redwoods are keeping you well. Something Ive been trying to do lately is Learn from the Yurok and Wyott about their practices before us and respectfully incorperate them into my own Irish heritage. Historically the Irish and native actually worked together during the 17-1800s, with each side helping the other. There was actually a huge push from the irish to give back native lands. Really cool stuff worth checking out. Shout out to you homie! Hope youre wel😊
I think you may be onto something. Astral projection and similar practices can open up all kinds of possibilities. I’ve been very interested in astral projection for awhile now.
There is also what’s called the “Akashic records”. It’s a kind of library where the history of everything that has ever happened is stored. I’m not quite as knowledgeable on that but surely that might be a place to learn about the past!
When I hear humboldt I think of cannabis haha :)
@@l-vbordercolliesbryanbaque6237Christianity Is Demon Worship.
@@l-vbordercolliesbryanbaque6237Jesus Is Hades And Allah Is Ares.
I live in the Laurel Highlands of SW Pennsylvania. This place in your video looks like places here. We have hundreds of places like this. Big rocks, water, caverns. Something deep in my bones feels a sense of reverence every time I visit these places. I can see why my Germanic and Scottish ancestors settled this land.
I don't know if you'll see this, but I'm from Maryland and used to visit Glen Rock PA for the Spoutwood Faerie festival until they had to close it down. I know what you mean by the land feeling very vibrant, primal, and alive there. It's really exhilarating!
Did you ever investigate the hundreds of miles of stone walls that predate the arrival of Europeans?
Love this. I felt an instant connection on watching. I must have been a Druid in past lives, as I adore, revere, nurture and protect trees. My spirit wants to travel back in time, to feel the pure, clean air, clear waters, magic stones, beautiful foliage, and the fabric of those ways in ancient days.
I feel this
I love nature and small towns surrounding nature and I hate cities.
@@EmilyLavinder-bp7soYeh cities are hella ghey I like trees and air and water also I probably was a druid before. You use dead tree skin to clean your ass your not no true druid like me I don't wipe at all
I'm from Scotland and only recently visited this spot ! It is truly magical!! 💚
thank you for such an awesome and interesting video!
Most of my ancestry is Celtic, with Germanic and Slavic next- so I'm very moved by any really good portrayal like this. Thank you! Slainte! Danke! Sposibye!
Live your best life!
Druid here. Am supposed to be a "green witch". This video resonated so much in ways I cannot even begin to explain. Certain locations that you showed can really feel the connection, even through the screen. Obsessively watching and reading everything that I can regarding the subject these days. Thank you for the wonderful video!
I'm loving all the on site education. Thank you.
It was a wonderful place to discuss the druids!
Great video. I am a druid and it's so refreshing to see one that isn't full of fake history.
I seriously recorded this video several times, because I kept finding issues with information 😆 Very hard subject to navigate
How does one become a druid?
@@Inquisitor_Vex especially when the video by someone that's done the research says we don't know much about it, just records by the Romans and Irish monks...
No, you’re not, ma’am, no one is, stop roleplaying and go home 😂
@@Inquisitor_Vex put your hands in the air and yell "I'm a druid, my name is Gandalf". No one knows for sure how people became a druid. Modern "druids" come from books written in the last couple of hundred years. Unfortunately for the "druids" they have been proven to be mostly 🐂💩.
What an amazing location, and ashamed to admit, I didn't know about it. I'm glad you chose to film in an historical druidic spot, rather than bring us footage of stonehenge on summer solstice or something. Yeah, that's the way to connect to the Druids. Beautiful film. Thank you for travelling all over the place to bring us the magical places of Britain.
Many people in Scotland didnt know about it either! It really is in the middle of a field, but so worth a visit!
@@TheWisdomOfOdin lovely place. Thanks for sharing it
Is this video in Scotland or Ireland 🇮🇪
It Fife in Scotland about 4 miles from St Andrews@@tabitha4135
Thank you, Jacob! At 3:33 you suggest that you are at a place (Dunino Den) that was "more than likely used by the ancient Druids." How do we know that this was "more than likely" the case? Like many others, I'd like more info on the Druids than the accidents of History have left for us, and some more info about Dunino Den especially since I just recently visited the place. If you know of any peer-reviewed materials - archaeological, cultural, religious, historical-critical - that analyze the Den, please share them. In any event, the Den is a very interesting and peaceful place to see...like so many other places where one finds ancient ruins in Scotland. Pax!
Beautiful Video! It seems that the Druids also did this: (in Austria at least, Georg Rohrecker would be an Author to read). They kept simple hostels on the wayside and on mountain passes, where you could stay the night, ask the way and get healing if needed. I think, this is a great idea to do , because you only need to talk to everybody who comes into the country just a little .... and you know quite a lot more about who comes into the country, what they want, and what goes on in other places.
We still have druids in France (Brittany region). Every summer, they have a ceremony (Gorsedd) to introduce the new members.
Yes but those are neo-druids, nothing whatsoever to do with the original druids with no connection outside their imagination.
Years ago I had a dream that I had a long conversation with a druid sitting in a dolmen. Sometime later a friend gave me a book that had that picture in it. I may never be a druid in the ancient sense, but I honor nature and do what I can to tred softly and leave no trace, while learning all that I can from it.
You put together a wonderful presentation that brought tears to learn our ancestors were such a civilized society. We as a society have to understand where and whom we came from in history to understand where we are going
Thank you, I am glad my video and its messages came through to you 🌳
There is information from history that these civilized people came from the territory of present day Turkey (formerly the great Armenians) but they were Christians and brought a great culture.
@@TheWisdomOfOdinaia... 🇦🇲🇦🇲 Come to Armenia and you will see Karahunj ( stounhenj)
@@lianaminasyan1783 how do you know it aint the other way around and celt culture went to modern day turkey through trade, anatolians in what was then part of europe was celt before being invaded and colonised by islam and Caucasian mountains being claimed as asia, never heard Armenians being celt though..
Celtic Society was truly egalitarian as adult women, mothers, were also warriors. You would not want to face a Celtic Mama on a battle field! Those too young and too old to fight held things down in the villages, took care of the very young and very old.
Thank you for giving us a glimpse of these sacred groves! Your presentation was fantastically informative, and I appreciate the effort you put into it.
that was a great video, I recommend "The Druid Path" for anyone wanting to walk a path that resembles that of the druids. While this is not a history book, but rather a modern guide to practice, it still provides an inspirational look into the modern practice of Druidry. farewell
Thank you for sharing that! 😀❤
Is that the one in Sussex?
Who is the author? I'm seeing multiple books of the same title, different authors. Thanks
What's so wild to me about your youtube channel is that I feel like i get to spend time with you. I hear the interest and passion in your voice. I look forward to making a trip with you one day! Remember my name, dear friend ❤
thank you so much for this video! as a young, starting celtic/norse pagan, your videos have helped me so much on my path, especially this video. i’ve been finding it difficult to find good information about celtic paganism, so your videos have been a wonderful source, as well as a wonderful way to learn about sites that i’ve never known of. i’ve always been in love with (and felt very connected to) ireland and scotland for as long as i can remember. i’m working on planning a trip to both ireland and scotland for next year. thank you so much for sharing your travels and research!
I have a playlist of TH-cam videos on Celtic paganism but I’m not sure how to share it with you. Have you searched that specific term here?
You yourself are majical, the excitement you bring when offering this information is just wonderful. This was just great to watch, and learn. You keep going, and take care.
Wow, thank you so much!
Thanks for creating and sharing this! Quite a feat doing all that yourself, that shows a lot of dedication🙏
Anyone else notice the rock face that overlooks the water at timestamp 4:56 has an outline of a face. (separate from the face carved into the stone that's pointed out to us. ) This one is the whole of the rockface.
I've often have looked at such as a guardian spirit keeping watch over such a sacred place.
THIS .... VIDEO ... IS AWESOME! Well done.
Sidenote ... I consider myself a Norse-Gaelic Druid of Turtle Island. All that means is I've felt myself a druid for many years and influenced by the Norse pantheon and beliefs with Gaelic a round the edges and a huge foundation built from teachings from wisdom of various elders of various tribes among the first peoples of the Americas.
The Stonehenge modern ceremonies. .... That got me thinking that we all evolve from the wisdom we gain. It's a part of what I've always felt Odin pushes us towards ... gaining wisdom whenever and wherever we can and using it to better ourselves and our life's journey.
Modern druids have simply evolved and are using or tapping into sacred sites of old.
We can't help but to do that here in the Americas.
Just over a year ago, I felt led to perform a personal ceremony at an old shell ring on Hilton Head Island in SC. Did so with respect and offerings lifted for those original peoples who used that spot as part of the ceremony.
Have done similar to other natural world places here in the Blue Ridge of Virginia that you can just feel has been sacred for generations .... before the coming of the settlers. Likely sacred to the first peoples of this land.
Balancing act to be sure, but still. ..... That bit in the video made me look at how we experience, learn, adapt, grow and continue moving forward.
Jacob, your showing the modern things people are doing was / is so important in speaking towards the journey of these sites as well as how things have evolved and changed .... but how they are still here. The locations and the people seeking those connections.
Again ... Nicely done. (Typing as I work my way through it and to the point of the upside down stump )
There's places like that all over Ireland look up Eagles Rock in Sligo Ireland
It is of course, simulacra.
Thanks!
Thank you. Beautifully done & educational beyond anything I’ve been able to find. The ancestors thank you too!😉👍
Thanks for your super background on this topics, the locations were really well chosen and it was really cool to get a glimpse of the infamous Isle of Anglesea where the Romans did their destructive work. Another great video, thanks!!!
Jacob, are you familiar with the ancient Coastal and Giant Redwoods of coastal Northern California? Despite the horrors of clear-cutting of these noble giants in the 1990’s, there are still many of these venerable trees that are well over 1,500 years old, even a few in the area of 2,500 years old. These most magnificent trees are often large enough in diameter that it can take a group of 20 or more to form a complete "tree hug." As you might expect, these dense ancient forests have a very special magic that has made this area popular to Pagans of all stripes, including a thriving sect of Druids, for many years.
Glorious. So appreciated, so authentic
Thank you for this film. Interesting and informative with beautiful scenery. Whenever I visit areas that are associated with Druids The atmosphere has a special energy .
the sacred grove you were in I beleive was in the show Outlander! In the firsts easona I beleive! Claire was made to swear her truth in there to prove herself!
Thank you so much for this. You've led me on such a rewarding journey through your videos on Celtic paganism and especially through your lessons and musing on the Druids. With your inspiration, I've found my path ahead. I am so so thankful. Safe travels.
this was so cool. I have a distant irish lineage and this helped me connect and respect the reality of these people and culture. amazing video. lobe your work. grateful. sending bessings. 😇💛👍🌞
Thank you ! I'm donating because your work is so important.
Much appreciated! Thank you :)
Wow! I was excited about this video and it did not disappoint. Thank you Jacob.
First of your videos that I have seen. Lovely! I feel as if you took me along for a grand adventure.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for this very informative ad beautiful video. I have a fascination with Celtic lore and this makes me want to visit the U. K. more than ever.
Seen that Bagpipe school.... What a Place!
🙏Thank you Jacob for your sharing. 🙏
Thank you brother. Great insight for myself just beginning my studies of druids
If you get a chance, have a look at "The Rocky Valley" just outside of Tintagel in Cornwall, including St. Nectarns Glen & Kieve & Whistman's Wood, which is between Two Bridges & Postbridge on Dartmoor, Devon
If youre still in scotland and want to visit a place with incredible energy, and history, i super recommend the Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis in the Hebrides. Thank you for exploring my home and country!
I was so close to hopping on the ferry when I was in Skye, but sadly we did not have the time :(
As an Atheist / someone interested in neo-paganism this is fantastic to see. You really captured the magic of the area and the Druids
love the videos jacob! id recommend visiting the Odinist fellowship in Newark the only temple in the uk dedicated to the old gods
Sadly, yes. We folk of these islands worshipped a multitude of gods now lost to legend: Thunor, Frig, Woden, Tiw and others. All eradicated by the zealous followers of the Christian one god. Only a few place names and a handful of archaeological finds show the Old Gods held sway for hundreds of years.
Cajun's in Louisiana still harvest mistletoe that way, except the rule is you cannot use a knife and they do spread a sheet to catch it so it does not hit the ground because it will lose its magic
At the start I thought it was going to be a summers eve commercial when you said "I wanted to find the right spot to talk about this "
When my friend was young his family took a trip, they camped somewhere outside the stone henge greater area. He heard the most beautiful singing when he woke up at night, ghostly.
He is in his 80s now
It is interesting how big the area is, considering everything still buried. Bigger rings are still underground.
I don't know your background, or what lead you to makeing these videos, but they have been AMAZING.
I went on a journey trying to find where my family originated from. Which, lead me to a lot of generalized areas.
Right now, I am reading about Neolithic and mesolithic eras. My family has a long history of farming, and it's really jnteredting to see the transitions our ancestors went through and different farming practices that might have happened. I am waiting to read the Norse Broze Age, very excited.
Thank you for going out there and doing this documentary! My ancestors are from Feremauh (spelled wrong) County. Seeing where some of my ancestors might have been is amazing! Well done!
I love your films and truly appreciate all your work.
Thank you for calling them films ❤️ 😂
Thanks, Jacob, for this informative video about Druids. Happy Summer Solstice! ☀🌞
I LOVE documentaries like this I enjoyed it thoroughly 😄thank you for sharing!
This hits home with me. I love your content man! I live my ancestors lives vicariously through your content 🤜🏻🤛🏻
Thank you! Glad it helps 🍀
Excellent and informative video, sir. Thank you for your work.
Thank you for the offering Sidhe friend.
I really had fun and learned some cool things about the Druids
Great video. I love it. All the power to Druidic practitioners, The Romans percecuted them because Druidic idea conflicts with Monotheism. But, we learn from the mistakes of those that came before us, so all the power to you.
Great video.. thank you
Very nice! Thanks for supporting our ancestors' thread of history that is left.
I was on the Unity Asset Store trying to find things to create my game... and this video popped up once the video on a totally different site ended. I haven't watched anything on your channel in a while!! Weird that this would pop up. Glad to be back in these parts!
Hi Jacob, so lovely to find you here today through my search for more information. So much delight to find that the video suggested is yours. What a wonderful life. We met at Dunino the day you filmed there. Love the video xx
Oh wonderful! Glad you found your way here! So happy to have met you there!
I have Celtic ancestors and Welsh ancestors from my mom and love learning about my ancestors along with my Native American ancestors.
Just be proud to be American for crying out loud....
Thank you from another Druidic Bard...
I watched this with eclectic vision having stumbled onto who the Druids or Dravids in Sanskrit are. Britain is very close to Sanskrit meaning "finger like". 🤔 (Before I go any further, as a missionary child in India, learning to respect other cultures & religions, I have been shunned as "the devil" for breaking ONE RACE & ONE RELIGION! I'm in my 11th year of SOLITUDE in middle 70s. Taught by Christians to leave religion and KNOW by my NDE Experiences.)
1st, imagine the dravids were missionary with ancient vedic knowing to improve the lives in the world🤔
Water & sacred rivers.
Plants and medicine.
Cremation misunderstood (projection of human sacrifice).
India has a festival of "LIGHT" or celebration of FIRE.
India has a long history of schools, starting 1st veterinary medical to heal animals wounded by invaders.
There are many very old stone works in India.
You did very well, such that I recognized similarities to give even more confidence to the unique knowing from coincidences. Thank you ❤
Wow this is absolutely breathtaking
Connecting with nature is incredible, you can spend a few minutes enjoying the landscape and listening to what nature is saying to you. ❤
The hills man ,,,mind the rocks...it gets deeper...best wishes to all x
A very interesting video! I'm from Mexico and here the mesoamerican cultures also had a very deep connection with their deities, so much of what they did had a religious significance. Do you know if the Celts practiced any "sports" or "games" that were kind of rituals or that had a religious connection?
That's the first time I watch this video, and I enjoyed a lot. Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge with us!
I play a Druid in D&D and this is great inspiration for how to roleplay my character
Great video as always, thank you! Regarding upturned stumps, have a look into 'Seahenge' in Norfolk here in the UK, a huge upturned tree stump surrounded by a wall of timber posts dating from the bronze age, Seahenge II found nearby, constructed at the same time..very interesting! Looking forward to your next video.
Definitely one of the best examinations of the Druids that I've seen, friend! Well done! You always manage to present your material as objectively as possible, without an entrenched bias but always personal and passionate. A rare achievement, Jacob. Keep doing what you're doing, we're inspired by your work.
Nice video, really enjoyed it. I've never been to the Druid Den in Fife... I'll have to get on that and visit in the next couple of weeks.
Something always fascinated me about the Druids... Thank you for this adventure into the past! Gonna take it again! And yess, very well done!!
Great video! Loved the use of Keith Parkinson's art at 8:11. I remember it from the cover art for the D&D module C4: To Find a King.
Fascinating. Thanks for all your hard work.
Thank you for this - I really enjoyed the video. Some hard facts, some assumptions and all delivered rationally and calmly. Great job!
Thank you that means a lot!
I'm so glad I found your videos - so interesting!
Glad you enjoyed!
Very interesting and entertaining very well produced thank you!
Beautiful video and sites!! Thank you for such great information. Very inspiring ❤
You're very inspiring! You make me want to go out and explore 🌱
This was so impressive and well made! I can’t wait to watch other videos of yours. Thank you!
I just found you and I’m enjoying all of your videos
Great video dude thanks for creating this. My family is from Abernethy Perth and Kinross in Scotland and every single thing you said resonates in spirit with me. Sending love
Hey Jacob, i recently just moved from that area (Dunino) and my family stayed there for 35 years. I just wanted to say a few things about some of the stuff down there, all the carvings were done after 2000 apart from Celtic cross which was said by my old neighbour to have been carved by the son of the local minister in the 1950's. We were just up from the Den at a row of houses called "Belstane Cottages" Also worth noting is that the hill behind Dunino church is said to be an iron age hillfort and you get a magnificent panoramic view from atop it however there is a lot of jaggy gorse bush's on the peak.
I have no idea who done the carvings but i do remember when they were freshly made and how quickly the faded down and looked ancient. The Celtic cross when we moved to the area in the 1980's was also a lot more crisp and distinct i would be surprised if you could still tell what it is in a couple of decades.
I stumbled across your channel recently and been enjoying the content and was pleasantly surprised to see myself and my old pups former usual walk spot featured, all the best for the rest of your travels)
Thank you for this outstanding presentation. Great information. I have studied the Druids before,but I enjoyed the pictures and video.. Blessings 💚🍀
awesome documentry, you just got another subsciber
Thank you so much for these videos, I really appreciate all of the research and work you put into them. I am really enjoying the places you are showing as well, I really hope to get the chance to visit a few of these locations someday!
Thank you for this video. Enjoyed every minute
Druids were also "time keepers". It was a matter of life and death to till, sow, tend, harvest and store your crops. So planting and the rest be done at the right season. We have the Fire holidays, Beltaine etc, but holidays for tending land were different. Imbolc for example was for the lambing time. I became a Druid in 1971 after having university classes in comparative religion. We didn't study Druidism or even Pagan practices. We studied the major 3 or 4 faiths and I saw how corrupt, inhumane and soul strangling they were. So I have been a Druid for half a century. I live in the Pacific Northwest, Portland area, and led a grove of fellow Druids. We were the Glendover Grove and I served as Archdruid for 10 years. Blessed be!