Introduction
We, the members of Celtic Druid Temple, being indigenous people of the Land known as Éire, proclaim and exercise our rights to self determination and self government, to practice, revitalize and evolve our cultural traditions and customs, to celebrate our ceremonies on ancestral sacred ground and to be secure in the enjoyment of our own means of subsistence and development, to engage freely in all our traditional and other economic activities, to preserve, honour and share our wisdom traditions, to maintain our right to choose traditional medicines and the natural holistic health practices of our Celtic Forest Nation of Éire.


We are Celtic Gaelic people of Ireland. We remain living on our ancestral homelands and seek to develop and continue our living cultural traditions and customs. We honour the Celtic Calendar with celebrations at our ancestral sacred temples and burial grounds. We live as people under the guiding principals of Meas, Meitheal and Mead. Meas encapsulates the concept of respect for self, others and Nature. Meitheal is the mechanism for working together through sharing the responsibilities of producing food, fuel and shelter. Mead is a celebratory drink made from honey and water and is our symbol of celebratory abundance. We live by these principles of self help, co operation and co creation with Nature to provide food, water, medicine, shelter and fuel for our families and community. We promote the use and learning of our native language Gaeilge. Our livelihoods depend on healthy natural woodlands, springs, waterways, sea and sky. Our sacred ancestral lands are of fundamental importance to our collective spiritual, physical and cultural survival as an indigenous people.

We are determined to preserve, develop and share with future generations the abundance of Nature from the Land, Sea and Sky. This includes access to our sacred herbs and vital medicinal plants, animals, birds, fish and minerals. We are preserving, developing and will share with future generations our Celtic Gaelic identity in accordance with our own cultural patterns, social institutions and body of Living Laws without external interference or discrimination.
Principles

1. Indigenous Status of Celtic Druid Temple
2. Self identifying as an Indigenous Celtic Gael
3. UN Permanent Forum definition of “indigenous peoples”
4. International Human Rights Law
5. Overall Intention to proclaim define and exercise our rights as members of Celtic Druid Temple


1. Indigenous Status of Celtic Druid Temple
The Celtic Druid Temple is an organised group of Celtic Gaelic People and Druí (Spiritual guide, teacher and ceremonial leader) honouring Nature as Supreme Being and are determined to practice, revitalize and evolve our cultural traditions and customs by celebrating our ceremonies on ancestral sacred ground in accordance with our Celtic calendar.

Structure and chronology

• 1993 Originally formed as the Heritage Awareness Group identifying indigenous sacred sites and providing educational seminars to the general public supported by local county councils and public libraries.
• 22nd of November 2012 Incorporated as Celtic Druid Temple Company no. 520451
• 30th of August 2017 Changed form to an unincorporated association named Celtic Druid Temple governed by a constitution.

Recognition

BUNREACHT NA hÉIREANN (Constitution of Ireland)

• Article 44 Secures our freedom to practice our religion.
  2 1° Freedom of conscience and the free profession and practice of religion are, subject to public order and morality, guaranteed to every citizen.

Department of Health

• The Department recognises Druidry as an indigenous religion https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/socialinclusion/interculturalguide/traditional/

Department of Finance

• On the 19th of May 2015 the Department recognised Celtic Druid Temple as an organisation established to promote the indigenous religion of Ireland with Nature as the Supreme Being and granted Celtic Druid Temple the following charity no. CHY20684

Dept of Social Protection

• On the 3rd of February 2016 Solemniser Status was granted by the Department to Celtic Druid Temple. The legally binding marriage registration certificate states that the marriage ceremony is performed "according to the Rites of Passage of the Indigenous Wisdom Tradition of Celtic Druid Temple”

Department of Justice

• On the 13th of June 2018 the Department recognised Celtic Druid Temple as an organisation established to promote the indigenous religion of Ireland and granted Celtic Druid Temple the following registered charity number RCN 20106003
• The Druí of Celtic Druid Temple have jury service exemption status and have exercised this exemption.
• An Garda Siochana have on four occasions provided protection for our public ceremonies
  

European Convention on Human Rights

Article 9(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights guarantees the rights of adherents to this policy document to full enjoyment of rights to thought, conscience and religion, including the ancient traditions of the Celtic Druid faith, and, more specifically, to our right of pilgrimage.
All comments and questions welcomed – [email protected]

2. Self identifying as an Indigenous Celtic Gael

If just one of the following determinants is a 'yes' for you – then you can self identify as an Indigenous Celtic Man or Woman and become a member of our Celtic Forest Nation of Éire. This is a true identity even if you do not currently live in Ireland but wish to live here and to have your descendants live here as your ancestors did.

1 Do you have Gaelic Celtic ancestors?
2 Do you live on or wish to live on the land of your ancestors?
3 Do you seek to live by the Celtic Calendar?
4 Do you want to learn / speak Gaeilge?
5 Do you wish to provide food for your family directly from the Land, Sea and Sky of Éire?
6 Do you wish to preserve, develop and transmit our connection to our Land, Sea and Sky of Éire?
7 Do you wish to restore our Celtic identity, cultural patterns, social institutions and lawful ways?
8 Do you wish to restore Ireland as a Celtic Forest Nation?


3. UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues 'working' definition of “indigenous peoples”

* Self-identification as indigenous peoples at the individual level and acceptance by the community as their member;
* Historical continuity with pre-colonial and/or pre-settler societies;
* Strong link to territories and surrounding natural resources;
* Distinct social, economic or political systems;
* Distinct language, culture and beliefs;
* Form non-dominant groups of society; and
* Resolve to maintain and reproduce their ancestral environments and systems as distinctive peoples and communities.

Excerpt of a legal opinion by an international law expert who addresses indigenous issues. “Members of the Celtic Druid Temple have the right to self-identification as indigenous; there is historical continuity of indigenous-ness from prior to British invasions; the Temple’s members are tied to territory and resources; indigenous Irish do possess distinct social, economic and political systems and distinct language, culture and beliefs; and it is clear that the Temple and its members are resolved to “maintain and reproduce ... ancestral environments and systems as distinct peoples and communities” (in a modern setting). At end, according to the Permanent Forum document, “the most fruitful approach is to identify, rather than define indigenous peoples.” The Temple is clearly asserting distinct rights.”

4. International Human Rights Law
The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations as General Assembly Resolution No. 61/295 (13 September 2007). Courts can apply the declaration in decisions and legislatures and other bodies can cite it to support positions to uphold and enforce specific provisions in the Declaration.

“The Declaration addresses both individual and collective rights; cultural rights and identity; rights to education, health, employment, language, and others. It outlaws discrimination against indigenous peoples and promotes their full and effective participation in all matters that concern them. It also ensures their right to remain distinct and to pursue their own priorities in economic, social and cultural development. The Declaration explicitly encourages harmonious and cooperative relations between States and indigenous peoples.”

Article 24 of the Declaration provides (in full):

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to their traditional medicines and to maintain their health practices, including the conservation of their vital medicinal plants, animals and minerals. Indigenous individuals also have the right to access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services.
2. Indigenous individuals have an equal right to the enjoyment of the highest standard of physical and mental heath. States shall take necessary steps with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of this right.

Article 1 of the Declaration states the right of indigenous peoples, both individually and collectively, to enjoy all human rights as stated by the U.N. or otherwise.
Article 3 secures the right of self-determination, meaning the right to “freely determine” their political status and “freely” pursue and secure their own economic, social and cultural development.

Article 24 addresses the human right to health with this language:

1. Indigenous peoples have the right to their traditional medicines and to maintain their health practices, including the conservation of their vital medicinal plants, animals and minerals. Indigenous individuals also have the right to access, without any discrimination, to all social and health services.
2. Indigenous individuals have an equal right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. States shall take the necessary steps with a view to achieving progressively the full realization of the right.
Excerpt of a legal opinion by an international law expert who addresses indigenous issues. “There is no specific language in the Declaration that addresses the right to refuse specific health measures or procedures, including vaccination. However the language about “their” health practices assumes a right to define what those might be, and the language “highest standard of physical and mental health” assumes that any given “standard” is the “highest” or most appropriate. Inappropriate standards include procedures or practices that are harmful or repulsive to a given indigenous group. I note that the Celtic Druid Temple is in fact engaging in an ongoing debate over the appropriateness of vaccination, and the right to reject it, and there is a right to speak to that — and be acknowledged in positions. I think that one of the most important points for the Celtic Druid Temple’s word is that the obligation is on the state (i.e. government) to deal with complaints of violations of human rights without requiring any person or group to “prove” their right. It is a matter of asserting a given right, e.g. the right to refuse vaccination, and compelling the state to engage. The right to refuse vaccination is a difficult subject, however, there is a right to articulate that right in general terms and compel the state to address it.”


5. Overall Intention to proclaim define and exercise our rights as members of Celtic Druid Temple

Celtic Druid Temple is officially recognised as the indigenous religion of Éire. Celtic Druid Temple presents a modern expression of the indigenous spiritual tradition of this island. Every man woman and child can choose to openly practice the indigenous spiritual traditions of this island. We can now openly show reverence to Nature as the Supreme Being and acknowledge the Spirit of our Celtic Ancestors without fear of censure. The dignity and inherent divinity of every man woman and child can be honoured and nurtured to its fullest expression.

We are in contact with indigenous peoples / groups in Europe, Russia, Australia, North America, South America and throughout the island of Ireland. It is our intention to share this statement with these groups seeking a declaration of acknowledgement and support from them with a view to developing relationships with and acknowledgement from other indigenous groups around the world that respect Nature. The first paragraph from the top of this page is on the back of the new CDT membership identity card. This replaces the Celtic Gaelic Oath that was shown on the back of the CDT identity card. The Oath will continue to be used and will appear on our Almanac, CDT website and in our social media as graphics/script.

The above policy statment can be downloaded as a doc or pdf here

Go Fund Me Fundraiser by Niamh Connor
We've planted a forest in the West of Ireland and now we are opening it up to the community. Trees give us so much. They are the foundation of our Culture. Co create and share the abundance of the Candlefield Community Forest. Read more on our Woodland Page.
#celticforestnation

This year we will celebrate Brigid, daughter of Dagda on Saturday 28th of January. We host an open and free ceremony for Imbolg at 1:30pm followed by our traditional Brigid's Cross making afternoon. Special designs such as three legged and spinning weave will be demonstrated and taught by Ard Druí Red John.

 The ceremony and workshop will be held in the comfort of the Hemp Hall. Places are limited so forward booking is important to secure your place - contact us at [email protected] Some people are unsure about variations on the 4 legged version so we took some pictures in the Armagh Museum and the Ballina Festival to show the wide variations that exist.

The crosses above with the blue background are on a display board seen at the Ballina Salmon Festival - they are copies of the Brigid's Crosses on display at the National Museum for Country Living in Co Mayo. The crosses below (cream background) are on show in the Armagh Museum in Co Armagh, Ireland.

The white table cloth below shows what we made here at the Celtic Druid Temple last year.

Attending our ceremony for Imbolg at 1:30pm followed by our traditional Brigid's Cross making afternoon is open and free of charge - but as places are limited = you must make prior contact at [email protected]

When people come to stay with us, they generally fall in to two categories of reactions. The first, and of course my favourite is when they are completely amazed at our lifestyle and become inspired to take on their own projects at home. The other, not so favourite reaction is one of complete and utter astonishment that we don't fit some pre-imagined picture or set of expectations usually along the lines of where's the castle or why don't you do this or that. These reactions are sometimes a little difficult to manage, and sometimes you just have to call it....you're projecting your idea of Druid on to us, this is who we are....take it or leave it.......

Anyway........within these two main reactions both generally agree that our home is very peaceful with an air of tranquility and deep calm. We work hard at making sure that this peace is always with us, and of course we as the humans in the equation don't always get it right, thankfully it's not just us, there's the rocks that the house is made from dotted with sparkling quartz, the living water circulating in our underfloor heating system, the hemp supplied by friends on the walls allowing the house to breath and the sheep's wool in the attic, our woolly hat in winter. We don't have many electrical appliances whizzing or buzzing constantly and at night time the silence grows much deeper. I've found that some people relax into this space immediately whilst others who live in cities, take awhile to tune in.

We have a deep respect for Nature, this means that we are conscious of our connection to Nature. At every moment with every breath we are interacting and connecting with Nature. If you look at a dictionary definition of Nature, you'll find something along the lines of "the physical world and everything in it (such as plants, animals, mountains, oceans, stars, etc.) that is not made by people" Fair enough, but the definition and mindset doesn't really allow for the full concept... that people are part of Nature, we are not above Nature, below Nature, in control of Nature or separate from Nature. Even when we're inside an apartment block on the 17th floor of a sprawling city- we are still with Nature, this is who we are. It's the over analyzing, categorizing, specializing and all the other iizings that encourage us to believe that we are separate from Nature, that it is something we must care for.....it is, but come at it from the view point that we are Nature, how does that change your understanding?

We can communicate with other parts of Nature quite easily. We share the same space, we share nutrients, water, minerals, we depend on each other and we communicate on such basic levels that it's way too simple for our categorized, segmented brains and egos to allow! I have often found plants by smell alone. Hidden in the long grass or thorny hedge the most delicate of flowers can call out to pollinators, and what a joy it is to locate these plants through their aromatic touch. If you're just saying hello, you don't need to know it's latin name and all it's properties, all you have to do is appreciate it and know that it has just spoken to you in it's language! When I forage for berries in the hedges my intuition tells me only to pick berries in the height  or space from my knees to my shoulders.....to leave berries for the birds and smaller creatures. Most people who spend a lot of time outdoors with plants and trees have little rituals or understandings particular to them and their immediate environment, when Ard Druí Red John and his family visit the fairy tree on Tara, they respectfully check in from a distance to feel if the tree is open for a visit.....respect.

Culture, can be defined as shared patterns of behaviors and interactions, cognitive constructs and understanding that are learned by socialization. It can be seen as the growth of a group identity fostered by social patterns unique to the group.

Apparently the the word "culture" derives from a French term, which in turn derives from the Latin "colere," which means to tend to the earth and grow.

We also see the word used in a scientific sense to describe groups of bacteria and fungi, we know of beneficial cultures of bacteria and fungi everywhere; in the soil promoting growth, in fermented foods like cheese, krauts, kimchi, and all manner of condiments.

I have a great belief that even though we lost our Forest Culture in the 1600's the bacteria and fungi necessary for forest growth is still here in the soil. I also feel that our sense of separation from Nature comes from a decrease in beneficial culture in our diets and immediate environment.

I approach a solution to this this from a few different angles. I try my best not to intentionally destroy beneficial bacteria....cleaning products in our home are all natural. We have a reed bed system for our waste water so I can visibly see how I'm doing....strong growth of reeds, iris', willows in the reed beds means I'm not killing the good stuff.......bleach kills good bacteria...so no bleach. Similar when I'm outside, no weedkillers, no poisons, same with my own body....no poisons....refined white sugar, dextrose and similar manufactured products are the equivalent of bleach in my mind, sure they do a great job, in that they taste great but oh wow the consequences..

I plant and care for lots of trees and plants, I'm playing a conscious part in the growth of the native culture of our local ecosystem.

I make and eat lots of culture i.e.fermented food products from veg grown locally. And my favourite way of restoring culture is to make herbal mead elixirs.....(local honey, local flowers, local yeast) a recipe for delightful culture.

I came across this blog when looking for ideas for meads; I make my meads in quite a similar way to this blog post: http://www.gallowaywildfoods.com/?page_id=1862

So, you are Nature, where ever you are, Nature is with you. You can feel more connected by becoming aware of your personal connections.....what products do you use, can you change any? Supporting the growth of one potted plant in your home changes your immediate ecosystem- you can practice conscious connection with this plant. Make fermented food- sourdough bread, sauerkraut, mead.....start looking around you. Even in the cities there are nooks and crannies of wonderful and vibrant culture.

Most importantly, have fun.....if you approach this from a guilt perspective, you've already changed your inner culture and guilt is not the approach you want to take........fun, love, exploration, adventure,gratitude and Love, did I say that one already.....Love, love yourself, love your world.....that's all you have to do. If you can't love yourself and consequently the world around you then decide to go on a fun filled adventure of change!

Grá
Niamh