The Official Newsletter for Members of the Henge
of Keltria.
by Tony Taylor
I was recently asked, ”What are three traits of genuine Pagan leaders?” In my response I said, a Pagan Leader should inspire others in the Path. The leader should truly care about those being led. Finally, to be a leader the person must be recognized as a leader by others both inside their group but also the outside community.
This got me to thinking about the question in Celtic Triad style. I asked a similar question, “The three traits of a Druid Leader are ____, ____, and ____. [fill in the blanks]” on the Keltria-L list*. Many indicated that the term “Druid” infers “leader” so the traits of a Druid apply to a Druid Leader. Others wrote about the traits of a leader.
When I looked at the responses in relationship to the Three Foundations, I was startled that no one mentioned Honoring the Ancestors. There were really no references to the past, nor anything about things related to the Celtic World of Sea. There were a couple of mentions regarding Revering the Spirits of Nature. A Druid leader will respect and be a protector of Nature. There were a few more responses regarding what a Druid leader is in Worshipping the Gods and Goddesses, devoting themselves to the Gods, being able to commune with the Gods, and maintaining the private spiritual relations with the Gods. Being Priest and Prophet.
The vast majority of the responses related to traits of the inner self. Truth, Knowledge, and wisdom were the most often mentioned. Truth to live by, to act only in Truth, be a bringer of Truth. Because no one follows an idiot, a Druid Leader must have knowledge: Seeking knowledge, respecting knowledge, and having the wisdom to use it. Wisdom, which includes knowledge.
Other inner characteristics included, acting with integrity, honesty, sincerity, and selflessness as well as having, understanding, courage, humor, piety, and respect for all.
Being a leader means being able to develop and maintain relationships with those led. Leading the relationship traits was compassion and concern. A leader needs to encourage the search for knowledge, to foster the magick of relationships, and be even-handed.
Although it has been used by many, (PADET, Celtic Shamans, Judaism, Unitarian Universalists, et al), one response struck a cord with many. I think it did so because no one has the corner on the truth, and because of its simple elegance. “The three traits of a Druid Leader are an open heart, an open mind, and an open hand.”
[*Many thanks to the members of the Keltria-L list. The postings which contributed to this article are available to list members in the list archive for the month of January 2004. To become a member of the Keltria-L list, E-Mail Keltria-L-Subscribe@yahoogroups.com.]
