Okay, so, I recently converted to Neo-Druidism and I was wondering: One of the main rules of Neo-Druidism is "You can do anything as long as it does not hurt anyone or yourself". Does this include piercings and tattoos? Because, in a physical form, they can hurt, but I'd think that rule would apply more to emotional hurt and pain within the soul. I know, according to one article, that the Celts (piratically the origin of Druid religion, which has now become Neo-Druidism, as an attempt to revive what the ancients left) were into piercings and tattoos, so does that mean they're fine?
I would advise speaking with other practitioners in your area. From my memories of Noe-Druids that I have practiced with neither are wrong, but as I am not Druidic in my practice, I would still say for you to actually speak with practitioners.
Though my understanding of such pagan belief systems is limited, I think that one of their basic tenets is that you have the responsibility to decide that for yourself.
You can't have it both ways, I'm afraid. Either you subscribe to a religion that has all the rules laid out for you, or you work out alone or with your god(s) what is right.
It does seem, however, that peoples which are very close to--or even worship--nature, often scarify, pierce or tattoo.
.
Certainly you can justify doing whatever you want to do.
I'd suggest you learn more about the philosophical foundations of druidism, have a little "water of life" and do what you like. Celts also painted themselves blue from time to time.
I think you may be confusing Neo Druidism with Wicca, Druidic Wicca or paganism.Smot all Druidic Orders adhere to the harm none rule, in fact it is a major difference because most Pagan faiths,orders,groups whatever do not adhere to the Wiccan rede. The Order I belong to being one of the exceptions since I am Druidic Wicca. And we don't have any rules against body peircings or tattoos and neither does any wiccan group I know of. now fundementalist Christians have real issues with it, and if a group you are involved with has someone leading it with that sort of background they might. I'd talk with the leader of your order or grove to be sure about what your group considers proper adherence to that rule if you are in a group that holds to harm none. harm none is an ideal we strive for, not something we can 100% of the time achieve since we are not the judeo/Christian godhead.
"Harm none" is the Wiccan Rede. Not all traditions follow the Wiccan Rede. I'm Heathen Recon and I assure, the Reed does not apply to us. We have the 9 Noble Virtues.
Are you approaching Druid in the Wiccan outlook? If you consider yourself Druid Wiccan then yes the Reded applies BUT there is far more to the Rede than those words. I believe it's ACTUALLY about 27 lines long.
I don't think tats or piercing are bad in any way though. That's a Christian outlook not Pagan. I have two tattoos and piercing. Another Heathen friend of mine has nine tats I believe. A Celtic Recon that I know has three or four.
I think you see my point.
I'm not sure where you're getting the "harm none" stuff from. That's a Wiccan ideal (and a bit of a misinterpretation at that), and while specific groups might hold to that, it's not a Druidic ideal in general.
Even if it was, that's not considered "harm" - if that was the case, most medical procedures would be right out.
The ancient Celts didn't seem to have any issues with piercings or tattoos, and most modern Celts don't seem to either.
I'm personally of the mind that tattoos and piercings should be totally up to the individual, for it's a very personal choice.
I follow an ADF Druidic path and can say that there are plenty of us, including myself, who have piercings and tattoos. There is no taboo against it. And really, the tattoo I have was done in a ritual setting and was a very spiritual experience for me.
As far as I'm aware, the "an harm ye none" type Reed isn't an druidICCpproach, or at least isn't for my path.
If getting a piercing or tattoo is what you want, I don't think either can be considered harmful to anyone.
Neo-Druidism and piercings?
