WHO ARE THE FFERYLLT?

The fferyllt of today are an initiatory tradition modeled on the original but with modern goals and practices. We use the ancient Welsh pantheon and gleanings from historical and modern texts to help develop a system that is relevant and meaningful today. We work to improve ourselves spiritually using systems of alchemy and shamanism and then pass this knowledge on to those who present themselves to be taught. We believe that by attempting to perfect our Self we improve the world we live in. By working with the energies inherent throughout creation we are attempting to "wake up" the vestigial awareness within humans that everything is connected. We hope to help humankind become eco-centered and to eliminate the self-destructive patterns within modern society. Our community attempts to live within the cycle of life, without destruction of our resources, using only renewable goods. We believe in a simple lifestyle, living close to the land with respect for all life. We prefer a strict vegetarian diet, as the irresponsible overuse of animal products has produced a form of cruelty that is abhorrent to us. There is also the very real problem of the future lack of sustainable food products due to overpopulation worldwide. Vegetarianism helps combat this as it takes ten portions of grain to produce one equally nutritious portion of meat. We also shun most modern medicine and chemical cleanliness, as it is destructive to the natural healing ability of the body. We believe that man was meant to work with the soil and to use naturally prepared herbs and remedies rather than synthesized medicines from the modern pharmacy. There is good scientific evidence to support this practice. There is also good reason not to allow the artificial prolonging of life, as this is the cause of global overpopulation. We believe all life is sacred, but not to the point of artificially manipulating or overriding the Force of Nature. Balance requires that all things fulfill their destiny, and death is just another milepost on the journey to perfection.

        WHY START THE FFERYLLT?

Many Druid groups today seem more concerned with intellectual pursuits than with spiritual gains. We fferyllt recognize the need for study as a means to connect with traditional archetypal systems. We also believe that an intellectual understanding of a spiritual path is incomplete. We recognize the need for an Experience of Deity, that Divine connection that so many strive for and so few attain. This is the goal the fferyllt are working to achieve, this is the truth the motivated seeker shall find here. We use systems of alchemy and shamanism as bridges to the depths within, the real Cauldron of Annwn, Deity in its original primordial form. (Nwyfre) The fferyllt system uses the ancient Welsh tradition its name implies as an archetypal foundation for enlightenment. Shamanism is a journey to identify and come to terms with those parts of our Self which are out of balance. Alchemy is the attempt to perfect the Self. Different approaches to the same problem, or if you prefer, different points of view, viewing the same solution. Ultimately, the goal is the same; recognition of the Self as Deity, or more correctly as a part of the Whole. TOGETHER We are all one. One mother, one father, one sister, and one brother. We are of one soul each, a ripple in the Universal Soul. We breathe the same breath, the breath of life, the breath of all living things. We are, one earth, one universe, one creator, one creation, what affects one, affects all. We need not come together, we need just the realization, the love, of what we have always been together as one, forever and always. ~ Judy James ~

NEWID HYWEL DDA*

• 1. The sky be the vault to our Cathedral, practice thy rites beneath the bright eye of the Sun and the silvery cloak of the Moon whilst ye may, as thy gods have no need of human edifice. "Build ye not a church of wood or stone, the Temple is within."
• 2. Keep ye the Holy Days, participate in the cycle of life and renewal. To betoken this set not thy razor, neither to thy hair nor to thy beard lest ye have dishonored thyself or thy brethren.
• 3. Wisdom is found behind many doors and within texts and tomes, but the book of life is written in the rocks and trees themselves. Here thy ancient secrets lie; books contain words, trees contain the energies of life itself.
• 4. The nature of the Universe is to evolve, therefore be thee as the willow that sways in the wind and breaks not. Change be the only constant.
• 5. Destroy not any living thing lest it be to save thyself or thy kin. Once done, honor thy fallen enemy as thee would thy kin. Kill not that of the flesh, neither for sustenance nor sacrifice. All life is thy kin, spill not thy blood.
• 6. Create joy and love all happiness, look not to cause misery and pain, for the true hurt be to thine own self. Honor thy guests and thy hosts as thine own kin.
• 7. Honor rewards thee as dishonor destroys thee. Choose thy students well, teach ye not those who would use our ways to destroy.
• 8. Mock ye not the ways of another, for their wisdom may be greater than thine own. "There is no body of water so muddy I will not look into it to see the reflection of the Sun, Moon and Stars."
• 9. We are of the old ways, among those who would take wing with Dragons, therefore, keep ye the way well, or trouble not the Brethren with thy presence. "Ymhob braint y mae dyletswydd."

*Hywel Dda was a Welsh legal system named for the 10th century king who united Wales