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I have just started down this path I've yet to know if this is really for me. But I want to learn as much as I can about all of Paganism. I only have a vague idea about Druids. All that I know is that they are based in England. If I am wrong I am sorry, but I wish to learn more. Please can you help me?

She is right about the Druids and if you meet anyone nowadays that calls themselves a Druid, don't believe them. Shamanism is a good path to research, from my point of view. But are there any other paths that interest you? I know there are many and that you don't know a lot of them. What about Celtic polytheism? The Celts were spread throughout Europe, from Great Britain to the mainland.

I have only spent a brief amount of time studying the Celtic path. I know that historically Celts were throughout Great Britain and the European mainland. Their deities come from different origins, some Welsh and some Irish. I can't remember exactly but perhaps Scotland as well. I have found that a common misconception is that the Celts and their deities all came from Ireland, which is not true. Most people I know on the Celtic path prefer older text over the New Age type books. When I get home I can look up a few for you that fit that category. Julius Ceasar wrote about the Celts and Druids when he conquered them, however most historians don't believe his stories since the usual idea is to paint a horrible picture in regards to those you conquer and murder.
On the other side of things with Shamanism, I recommend a lot of meditation and perhaps going to a drum circle. If you can find such a thing in your area.


To add a little more on Shamanism, and everything I say about it is in very general terms since Shamanism is a practice, that is found around the world. Shamanism is not a religion. Most will tell you that there are 3 ways to become a Shaman, you are either born into it, or it chooses you or you choose it. However, when you choose this path it requires a lot of work to show that you are ready and capable for it. Shamans are healers, they heal the spirit. Mostly through journey work and with the help of spirit guides. It is believed that some human ailments come about because of spiritual sickness. When the path chooses you, you will more than likely go through a time period of intense sickness and you must heal yourself by finding the path and using it. There is also a test, in a way, in which you must face your shadow side and your fears and come through on the other side using your fears to learn from them in order to help you. Now ideas, practices and rituals will be different depending on the particular Shaman path you take. Some also call it the way of the heart or path of the heart.

I feel like there is more to add but my brain is blank atm.

Ovates are not Druids. They are a level on the way to becoming a Druid but Druids were pretty much viewed as an upper class of citizens. They were thinkers, seers and healers. All of which required a lifetime of work and dedication to only the Druids. You can't become a modern day Druid by taking some classes online or reading a few books because what the Druids were does not exist anymore. I have read an explanation of modern day Ovates that said they are those that study divination, healing, etc from a Druid's perspective but does anyone truly know what that perspective was? The answer is no. What an Ovate is basically is someone who follows something along the lines of a Shaman path.

I personally view Shamanism, as a path and a practice. It is a road of lessons to be learned and it holds certain beliefs within it. For some it also ties in with religious practices and aspects.
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