Drunemeton
I, Branos, do not hold the position of leader in Drunemeton; I am merely a Raven perched on one of its mighty branches. I serve as the keeper and watcher, ensuring that the path remains unlost. There is no hierarchy in Drunemeton, for having a leader would contradict its purpose. We all stand as equals beneath the embrace of Drus.
Drunemton serves as the clergy arm of Galatîs Litauiâs overseeing the spiritual direction on the Uarinâ.
The Galatians, then, are to the south of the Paphlagonians. And of these there are three tribes; two of them, the Trocmi and the Tolistobogii, are named after their leaders, whereas the third, the Tectosages, is named after the tribe in Celtica. This country was occupied by the Galatae after they had wandered about for a long time, and after they had overrun the country that was subject to the Attalic and Bithynian kings, until by voluntary cession they received the present Galatia, or Gallo-Graecia, as it is called. Leonnorius is generally reputed to have been the chief leader of their expedition across to Asia. The three tribes spoke the same language and differed from each other in no respect; and each was divided into four portions which were called tetrarchies, each tetrarchy having its own tetrarch, and also one judge and one military commander, both subject to the tetrarch, and two subordinate commanders. The Council of the twelve tetrarchs consisted of three hundred men, who assembled at Drynemetum, as it was called. Now the Council passed judgment upon murder cases, but the tetrarchs and the judges upon all others. Such, then, was the organisation of Galatia long ago, but in my time the power has passed to three rulers, then to two, and then to one, Deïotarus, and then to Amyntas, who succeeded him. But at the present time the Romans possess both this country and the whole of the country that became subject to Amyntas, having united them into one province.
Strabo, Geographica, XII,5,1
I believe the sacred site the Senodruides would meet at in Carnuticâ (Carnute region or land) mentioned by Cæsar was also a Drunemeton.
Drunemeton (Oak Sanctuary) Gaulish: *dru-nemeton (from drus, ‘world tree’, and nemeton, ‘sacred ground, sanctuary) Drunemerton shall be the name of the assembly of Bardoi, Uâtîs, and Drûides.
My focus revolves around Druids and Gaul, particularly the Senodruides (Ancient Druids). A passionate inner fire propels me to reconstruct, reconnect, and envision a modern-day Order for the Bardoi, Uâtîs, and Drûides, leading to the creation of Drunemeton. Notably, Drunemeton diverges from contemporary orders, disregarding modern Druidic associations. Instead, we pick up the fragments from Gaul, drawing inspiration from Greek and Roman accounts, comparative mythology, language, and surrounding cultures.
The Bessus within the Nemeton
Each Bessus represents a distinct custom or tradition, not a hierarchical ladder but a lifestyle devoted to the chosen path. These customs offer diverse focuses and understandings, rejecting titles taken merely for the sake of having one.
- Bardobessus: Bardic Customs
- Bardos (Praise Poet)
- Poets and singers crafting poems, prayers, songs, and stories. They guide and mentor others in such creative pursuits, possessing deep knowledge of myths, language, and the arts.
- Uatibessus: Ovate Customs
- Uâtis (The Mantic One)
- Seers and Healers with expertise in Gaulish herbs, both practical and magical. They follow Gaulish divination methods, excluding external practices like Tarot and Norse Runes. Spiritual or practical herbalism is embraced.
- Druidobessus: Druid Customs
- Drûið (One who knows Drus)
- Mediators and Arbiters serving the Deuoi, focusing on community service, philosophy, and teachings for higher understanding. They stand as civilizers, navigating liminality for genuine understanding. Celebrant work is a significant aspect of Druides’ responsibilities, intertwined with a mystery tradition.
The Nemeton of Drus
The Oak, revered among the Senosdruides, was climbed to harvest mistletoe on the sixth day of the moon, as described by Pliny the Elder. Our Great world tree Drus is envisioned as an oak, rooted in Dubnos, trunk in Bitus, and canopy stretching into Albios. Within these sacred oaks, we gather to transcend to higher planes, seeking knowledge and insight to revive ancient customs. Devotion to the Dēuoi is paramount, might they grant us the acorns of wisdom.
Beneath the towering Oaks, ancient knowledge envelops us as celestial bodies move above. Transcending to another realm, the true location revealed only when witnessing the acorn’s descent from above.
Law in Drunemeton
We take an oath to live by the Trirextoues/The Three Laws
Dugie Dêuûs – “Honor the Gods”
Gneie ne drucon – “Do no evil”
Delge āxtam – “Hold your behavior”
It is my feeling that the Senodruides were trying to unite Gaul, I’m strongly called to finish that work. Drunemeton is not a place to gain a role but a place to be of service to the greater community. You can find out more over on the website of Drunemeton
The Witch's and Druids Den 