Heart of Oak: Talking Druidry, Spirituality and the nature of Magic in the MetaCrisis with Philip Carr-Gomm
Dec 25, 2024
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This discussion features Philip Carr-Gomm, former Chief Druid of Britain, author, and authority on Druidry and spirituality. He shares insights into contemporary Druidry, emphasizing its relevance in today’s chaotic world. Philip explores the interconnectedness of various spiritual traditions and the natural instincts we possess during crises. He dives into the complexities of spiritual practices, especially regarding womanhood, and highlights the importance of patience and intentionality. The conversation touches on synchronicity and the transformative power of nature in personal growth.
Druidry serves as a contemporary spiritual path, emphasizing collaboration and responsibility for fostering positive change in society.
Integrating various spiritual traditions enriches personal practices, inviting individuals to explore their spirituality for deeper meaning in life.
The honing of intent is crucial in magical practices, as it shapes personal realities and fosters transformative change in everyday actions.
Deep dives
Belief in a Possible Future
The podcast emphasizes the belief that another world is possible, focusing on collaborative efforts to create a future that aligns with the values we wish to pass down to future generations. The host and guest express an intrinsic belief that there is still time to foster a positive and transformative change in society. Discussion revolves around the significance of engaging deeply with spirituality in shaping this envisioned future. This shared vision is presented as a collective responsibility, invoking a sense of urgency and hope that inspires listeners to reflect on their role in the process.
Spiritual Journeys and Connections
The conversation highlights the spiritual journeys of both the host and guest, particularly the guest's connection to Druidry and the transformative experiences it offers. The guest recounts his introduction to Druidry at a young age, illustrating how these teachings have profoundly influenced his life and perspectives. Insights about the integration of various spiritual traditions suggest that embracing a multifaceted approach can enrich individual practices and understanding. This theme encourages listeners to explore their spiritual paths, drawing from diverse traditions to create personal meaning.
The Nature of Will and Intent
A significant aspect of the dialogue focuses on the nature of will and intent, especially in the context of magical practices. The guest references a definition of magic as the science and art of causing change in accordance with one's will, emphasizing the importance of honing one's intent for positive outcomes. This exploration encourages listeners to reflect on how their intentions shape personal and collective realities. The conversation also touches on the interplay between mystical and magical impulses, suggesting that both aspects are essential for meaningful action in the world.
Magic in Everyday Life
The podcast delves into the concept of magic beyond the mystical, highlighting practical applications in daily life. The guest shares experiences of synchronistic events that affirm the belief in an interconnected reality where intention manifests. This connection between belief and lived experience underscores the potential for transformative change when individuals cultivate conscious awareness. The ability to integrate these magical principles into everyday actions is presented as a pathway for listeners to enhance their lives and contribute positively to the world.
Embodied Practices and Self-Knowledge
The discussion introduces embodied practices, such as sophrology, and their relevance in achieving balance and self-awareness. By integrating mindfulness techniques that emphasize body awareness, the guest illustrates how these practices can foster a deeper understanding of oneself. This self-knowledge is portrayed as critical for individuals seeking to align their intentions with their actions. The importance of working through personal challenges and traumas to achieve clarity in will and intent is emphasized as a vital component of spiritual growth.
Collaboration for Collective Change
The podcast underscores the necessity for collective action in addressing the challenges facing society today. The conversation encourages listeners to envision their individual contributions to larger movements for positive change. Acknowledging the urgency of current global issues, the host and guest inspire a proactive mindset among listeners to harness shared dreams into tangible actions. By fostering collaboration and community, the podcast asserts that meaningful change is attainable, resonating a call to unity and collective responsibility.
Druidry is the indigenous spirituality of the islands of Britain, but how does is live in the contemporary world? What are the values and practices that make it so suited to the inflexion point of the moment? Why - and how - does it mesh so well with other, more spiritual traditions? And how does the practice of Will, the honing of intent, create the magic we need to see in our world?
This week's guest, Philip Carr-Gomm, has spent his life studying, and writing about all of these things. Philip began studying Druidry as a spiritual path with Ross Nichols, the founder of The Order of Bards Ovates and Druids. Later, he took a degree in psychology from University College London, and trained in psychotherapy for adults at The Institute of Psychosynthesis, in play therapy for children with Dr Rachel Pinney, and in Sophrology – a system of mind-body training for deep relaxation and personal development. He has also trained in Montessori education and founded the Lewes Montessori School. In 1988, he was asked to lead The Order of Bards Ovates and Druids. For thirty two years, he was the Chief Druid of Britain until, in June 2020, he handed on this role to his successor, Eimear Burke. He is now involved in the work of the ACER Integration programme and the Sophrology Institute. He's a prolific author, having written or contributed to over two dozen books, mostly exploring Druidry, but more recently he has written The Gift of Night: A six step programme for better sleep, and Seek Teachings Everywhere: Combining Druid Spirituality with Other Traditions. He is co-creator of two sets of Celtic Oracle cards and has written the text for two tarot sets. He is host of the magnificent 'Tea with a Druid' which is part of his active, pro-active YouTube channel. On his website, he says, "Something magical happens when the worlds of psychology and spirituality are brought together. Every discipline in psychology helps to reveal the extraordinary nature of the human being, but add the insights of the Perennial Wisdom Tradition – the ancient knowledge and esoteric teachings passed down through the ages – and we enter awe-inspiring territory that has the power to transform us." And this feels perfectly aligned with this podcast, and with the times. So as we head down into the long-nights of the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere and up into the long-days in the south, we offer the wisdom of the grove and the mountain and the river.