Hibernian Order of Druids

The Founder's Words 
    My name is Mel Lloyd. I have been walking the Druid path for most of my life and I have been an Arch Druid since 1998. I was born in England in 1943 of Welsh extraction, my formative years were spent in England's West Country and later in Glastonbury, Somerset relocating from there to N. Ireland.
    It was from my Father's interest in the wild open spaces of Dartmoor, the Brecon Beacons in Wales and elsewhere, that set me upon the path. I noticed that the grass of ancient places seemed different and gave me a sense of being 'at home'. Thus I was even as a child drawn to Nature, to the trees, hills, rivers and lonely places filled with birdsong. 
    Years later I was attracted to TM and it became a regular twice a day practice for several years; doing so expanded my consciousness and awareness to the energies and rhythms of the ever changing seasons. Then slowly I started to do my own rituals alone at first and then later joining with others.
    
    In 2002 I raised the Owl Grove at Imbolc and later that year the Hibernian Order Of Druids (HOOD) was formed.
    The aim of HOOD was to provide an umbrella for those who had started training on the Owl Grove course as some apprentices were overseas and wanted to remain in contact with Ireland & the Owl Grove after training.
    
    We are situated on the foothills of the Slieve Blooms in Co. Laois, Ireland, where I have been living since 1991 after moving here from Co. Down.

Photograph of
Mel at Glenbarrow Co.Laois

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WHAT IS A DRUID ?

A Druid is a lover of life, of the seasons, nature, plants, birds and animals
A Druid honours the Goddesses / Gods (life force, creation) as seen in the changing seasons of the land.
A Druid is a lover of the arts who express themselves through poetry or music, sculpture or painting.
A self educated Philosopher whose philosophy ever expands.
A Druid is an observer, of their own being,knowing their inner self strengths & weaknesses.
A Druid serves the wider community as a healer, a seer, a facilitator of life's Rites of Passage - Hand-fasting, Baby Naming, Coming of Age and Funerals.

A wise old man of my acquaintance was once asked,
"What is a Druid?"
His reply was , "A priest of the Highest Order ".

OUR STATEMENT OF PURPOSE & ASSOCIATION

"The Hibernian Order Of Druids and myself, the Founder, wish to state publicly that we are not in association with any other Druid Orders other than those mentioned on our links page.
We do however as a group offer our friendship to those of like mind, on similar and on other paths, in the understanding that each individual or group is entitled to their own beliefs, on the proviso that their accord is non inflammatory and in accordance with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights - United Nations Charter Preamble articles 1 - 30 http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.
In Peace and Love, Mel Lloyd."

Read our latest addition to the Hood Library:
Mel Lloyd's ‘DRUIDS IN IRELAND’ - click here