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Old Ways, Pathways: Toward an Iconography of Druidry in DruidCraft Tarot, curated by Dorothy Verkerk

Druidry, which is attracting a growing number of adherents around the world, is characterized by decentralization, creation spirituality, polytheism, and magic.  Like other religions, Druidry - practitioners prefer the term “pathway” - utilizes an iconographical vocabulary that visually identifies and defines its beliefs.  Devotees of Druidry view themselves as a revival of an ancient culture; therefore, a visual lexicon that reflects this ancient heritage is essential to give tangible form to this tradition. Modern Druids are developing a distinctive repertoire of symbols, ritual artifacts and a theologically complex narrative art: a shift from simplicity to complexity that parallels the historical development of early Christian or Islamic art.  The earliest Druidic art is symbolic; for example, the Awen symbol is a signifier of a Druid following the tri-fold path.  More recently, Druidry is moving toward more a complex and varied iconography that layers modern artistic traditions upon a medieval foundation, thus lending legitimacy to their visual theology.