Foreword to Southern Echoes: An Anthology of Poetry by OBOD members from Australasia
A good traveller has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
Lao Tsu
Spiritual traditions travel like people, and along with people. They are born in one place at one time, but they grow up and start to move. Although Druidry originated a long time ago on a small island in the northern hemisphere, over the centuries its practice has spread across the globe.
The challenge for those of us living outside of the source-lands of Druidism, is how we respond to its call without it feeling like an imported species – somehow always slightly out of place, evoking fears of colonialism, and unhelpful yearnings to be somewhere other than where we actually live.
Many of the answers to this challenge can be found in this inspiring collection of contributions from those who live in Australasia. In their poetry and prose they address the questions that anyone seeking to follow Druidry in these lands is bound to encounter: how do I relate to the so-different landscape, trees and seasons here? How do I honour my ancestors and the traditions of the indigenous peoples of my land? How do I make Druidry relevant to my life here, now.
There are books that have a beginning and an end, but there are books that have no such limitations, and here in your hands you have such a volume. Dipping into it feels like dipping into the Well of Wisdom – every piece I have read has deepened my experience of practicing Druidry in the southern hemisphere, and reminds me of how delightful and stimulating it is to live in this magical part of the world.
May this Well of Wisdom entertain and inspire you!
Peace to all Beings,
Philip Carr-Gomm /|\
Pukerua Bay, Aotearoa
Beltane 2003