Let's Talk About Druidry & Gender

I need to get something off my chest. There's a persistent, frustrating stereotype that Druidry is, and always has been, a "man's game." This idea often stems from the 18th and 19th-century fraternal orders that revived Druidic themes, which were, at the time, exclusively male. These "Meso-Druids" created a patriarchal image that simply doesn't reflect the truth.

As a Reconstructionist Druid, I'm committed to historical accuracy, and the evidence is clear: ancient Celtic societies absolutely had powerful women in spiritual roles, including what we would consider female Druids. Roman historians like Tacitus mention "black-robed Druidesses," and Cassius Dio even noted a "Druidess named Ganna" who visited Emperor Domitian. Our own Irish myths are full of formidable "bandruid" (female Druids) and "banfilid" (female poets/seers), like Fedelm in the Táin Bó Cúailnge. Archaeological finds of high-status female burials further support the idea of influential women in these societies.

So, if you're out there pushing the patriarchal ideology that women can't be Druids, or telling people that gender equality in Druidry is just a "modern concept," you simply don't know our history. This isn't about modern political correctness; it's about reclaiming and honoring the ancient truth of a more inclusive past.

And let's be clear: stop telling people that "Druidry is for men and Witchcraft is for women." This reductive and inaccurate view does a disservice to both traditions and the diverse people within them.

Anyone who continues to spread these patriarchal, historically baseless ideas can feel free to unfollow me. My space here is for those who embrace the full, rich, and inclusive history of Druidry. We're here to build a vibrant, equitable path for everyone.