Nature
Nature, at its basic level, is a total lack of anything artificial. Nature is the growth and death cycle of all things. Often, we hear the phrase "laws of nature", indicating something simple and primal. Nature is more than just the simple environment, however. It is the fabric of existence, and everything is born of nature. The basic components of everything natural fall into three categories. Life, inanimate objects, and abstract inspirations are all parts of Awen's divine influence and energy.
Humans are born of nature, but have risen to something more complex, and inherently more chaotic. They have been granted the gift of creativity. Bridges, roads, houses, and everything else you conceived by man is artificial. It is born of man, and in the end, returns to nature. Slowly, as time goes on, human beings grow, and extend their influence over nature. They begin to interfere.
Interference with nature can be disastrous, and throw off the balance temporarily. Much of nature, simple as it is, relies on complex routines that will progress the cycles of life and death. When humans go in and speed the deaths of so many living things, the life cycle does not compensate quickly, and the balance is thrown off. Overtime, when left alone, the balance returns, and the influence dissipates. Very much in the same manner as a wound heals.
The biggest interference humans have with nature is when they hunt. The over killing of a population can seriously harm all plant and animal life in the area. For example, the hunters kill off all of the deer who graze an area, and the grass grows tall and long. As a result, the mice in the field are hidden from the eagles above, who are then forced to hunt in the stream for fish. Without mice to eat, the fish population is pulled thin, and the bears find themselves without food. When the bears get hungry, they overfeed on the berries and small animals, which eventually cleans out most of the berry bushes. So, by now, because all the deer have gone, everything within the area has been affected, and most of it is for the worse.
The results of an imbalance in nature take time to heal, but often times the land is left healthier and stronger than before it was harmed. Many things in nature rely on large imbalances to occur, as a means to purify and make the area stronger. These natural imbalances are called "natural disasters". Floods, fires, tornadoes, and all of the other things that cause massive damage are a necessary part of the living cycle. The most common positive result of a disaster is the seed spreading of fire. Locked away within pine cones are the seeds of the evergreen trees. When the fire heats them up, they explode and shower seeds across the ground. The old, weaker timber is burned down, turning to ash, which fertilizes the soil, and the new seeds take root to create a healthy tree.
The natural state of the planet is ever-changing and evolving. As time goes on, nature recycles itself and grows stronger. The influence of man grows, and nature slowly combats the artificial creations of man. It is the eternal war, man against nature and the elements. But there are other ways. Living in harmony with the land, under the divine inspiration of Awen, Druids understand and embrace nature. Living as one with the natural state brings inner peace and well-being, as well as strength to endure. However, as time rolls on, all things will one day return to nature, from whence they came.
~Scavengrove
Protector of Nature
Typically a 'Protector of Nature' is classified as any person who goes out of his/her way to defend the balance and order within the natural cycle of life. This means that this person uses caution in his/her dealings not only with nature but also mankind. A -=True=- Protector of Nature will show respect for all living things. A 'Protector of Nature' will practice moderation, meaning they do not take more than they need. They give back to the Earth from which they take, and they will aid in eliminating any unnatural imbalances that may occur.
However, a 'Protector of Nature' also knows when to step back and yield to Nature's own cycle. They realize that sometimes taking no action is the best course because nature has various ways of correcting imbalances by itself.
For example, a 'Protector of Nature' realizes brush fires, while sometimes highly destructive, often serve a greater purpose. The brush fires clear out a great deal of flora that may be responsible for choking the life out of other species. The 'Protector of Nature' realizes that the fire is nature's way of clearing out the old and making room for the new, therefore, they will not interfere.
' Protector's of Nature' realize that mankind is a vital part of the natural cycle of life, as vital as the trees that produce our oxygen, or the animals that provide us sustenance. They show kindness and consideration in their dealings with others even if they cannot be of direct assistance to that person. They seek to see the truth in all situations and will not belittle or intentionally cause direct or indirect harm to another. A 'Protector of Nature' will try to educate others on the importance of moderation, balance, and compassion.
You need not be a Druid to understand and uphold the laws of nature and respect your fellow citizens. Although a Druid is inevitably classified as a 'Protector of Nature' because of their innate ability to listen closely to all living things and perceive which steps should or should not be taken to assist in achieving the natural order, every now and then you will find a special person, who while not a Druid, shares many of a Druid's characteristics.
When a person such as this is brought to the attention of the Druid path, we have the ability to give them a mark, recognizing them as a 'Protector of Nature' so that all the community may see and acknowledge them as such.
Defiler of Nature
A Defiler of Nature is someone who is an enemy to Nature.
A Defiler of Nature is not ignorant of our beliefs and practices, yet, mores someone who is very aware of them and chooses to disregard everything they know. A Defiler is one who has no regard for Nature: be it Animal, Plant, or Man.
Beyond normally having a total lack of respect for Nature, as well as for Druids, these are the people who take pleasure in harming Nature, in mocking our customs and values, and defile everything that both Nature and the Druids as a whole stand for.
To be marked a Defiler of Nature is not something any Druid will do in haste. First, only the Druid Elder, and her Guides have the ability to place this mark upon an individual. Second, no Druid besides the Elder is even allowed to do so unless it has been decided upon by more than one. A simple disagreement, or misunderstanding will not result in a Druid marking someone a Defiler.
Druids value honesty and patience, and will generally tend to walk away from a negative situation and ponder it before taking immediate action. If you find yourself marked with a Defiler of Nature sign, know that it is a result of careful thought, and unanimous decision.
((We will not give this brand out to anyone who is obviously "trying" to provoke us to give it to them. This brand is completely RP based, and is not handed out simply because "someone wants it".))
Removing Defiler of Nature
Had you an epiphany; a change of heart; a realization that you can no longer live with such an ugly scar? Should you wish to rid this scar of ignominy, send a letter of remorse in request of removal to one of the Druid Guides.
You must be prepared to undertake several grueling and extensive tasks. If at anytime we feel your insincerity, we will disregard your removal request. ((You may re-apply in 3 real life months.))
Defense of Nature
DEFENDING NATURE
Druids are peaceful to the core. But what choice are we given when someone or something poses a threat to Nature? As children of the Earth, we are sworn to protect all that is beautiful in Mother Nature's eyes. Seeing as we are of a healing nature, we prefer to defend the attacked than attack the attackers. Many methods can be used. Whether it is through floral lore, prayer, healing or even fighting, everyone who is true can protect nature somehow. The following are a number of threats that could appear easily in any situation where nature is abundant.
DROUGHT
A Druid can feel a drought coming. We can see the earth become more thirsty, the flowers become weaker. Wait all night long. When you see the sunlight peer over the mountains, go to a field of flowers. Find a Dawn tulip, and pick it while it still has dew on its petals. This shall call for rain, and the drought may be avoided.
LOVE LORN
Nature needs the love of all to survive. She gives her love to us in amounts unimaginable. Therefore, to make up for the immense amounts she puts out, each of us must give what we can in return. Bring with you the seeds of Roses and the petals of Yuri's loves. Plant the Roses, for the attract Faeries, which are an unseen race full of love and care for Nature. Smolder the petals of the Yuri's loves, and sprinkle the ashes over the earth. This will not only show Mother Earth that you love her, but it will bring her Wealth and drive away hostile and negative forces. Bring the leaves and blossoms of the Apple tree, or even plant an apple tree in your yard. This is the tree of Love and will increase the love in both your life and nature's. Always remember to take great pride and care when you tend to your gardens, and to the other flora and animals around you.
SPIRITUAL INTERFERENCE
There are great spirits all around us. But not all are so loving as Awen and Mother Earth. There are many that wish to destroy and tear apart the Earth. Why? Perhaps they believe that Mother Nature is foolish for loving all creatures, including humans. Or perhaps they believe something else should be controlling the balance of the world. But either way, we must fend off these attackers, for they are ill-willed and dangerous. Evil spirits hate the scent of Golden Sunsets and Yuri's Love. These flowers are embodiments of Fire, which is the most pure of all Elements. String Golden sunsets across the entrance to your garden or grove, and the evil spirits will rear back, and fear entering. For further assurance of protection, smolder Yuri's loves around the edges of the place you're protecting. As well, if Heaven's Bells are growing, peace will be heightened.
HUMAN INTERFERENCE
Some humans think Nature is for the taking. They refuse to understand that balance and beauty must be kept or chaos will perish us all. Should worst come to worst, as Druids and other followers of the Wild, it is our duty to defend. Some will heal, some will cast spells and enchantments. And a few will become Telwaz, Warriors. Bathe yourself in water mixed with cedar sap. Cedar brings confidence. You will need this to reach victory. Then burn the branch of an Oak tree, and cover yourself with its smoke. The Oak tree is the strongest of all, and with its blessings you will feel stronger, faster, and your wisdom will increase. Pray to the Gods, surround yourself with the Elements. Only now will you be able to defend nature from the powerful aggressive force of humans.
IMBALANCE/CHAOS
The Balance of Nature is kept by the Elements. To a imbalanced place, bring symbols of each Element to stabilize the flow. For an even more effective balance, bring a person of each Element. Should the imbalance take place in a particular element, increase or decrease the amounts of the other elements to get an even ratio. For instance, if the Sacred Grove began to flood, and drown all the flora, a Druid would do the following: Bring a follower of each Element forward. Have each follower with an appropriate symbol of their element. Stand in a circle, but have the water follower outside the circle (to represent the overflow of water). Go around in a ritual, and slowly bring the Water follower and her item inside. Complete the perfect circle, and then finish the ritual. This will cause a balancing of the elements, and the flooding will cease. Of course, that is not the only way to balance the Elements. Many different rituals and ways can be practiced, so long as they work to put a flow back into effect. If the balance is NOT from the Elements, then the ritual would be slightly different. Instead of having one displaced element, all would be displaced. Again, slowly bring them together to form the perfect circle and all will be well!
PREVENTION
The best way to defend nature from all these hazards and more is to prevent them from ever happening. Every day, tend to your grove. Keep it healthy. Make a shrine to each element in the appropriate direction. If you keep the spirits of the Elements happy, they will make sure balance comes to you. Read about all the flowers, trees and herbs. Then plant what you need to keep your garden safe. Every piece of Mother Nature's flora is beautiful, and the balance you create will give it a sacred touch. But in every situation, love is the most important tool against evils and destruction.
In conclusion, remember that there is a natural order of things. Like humans and animals, plants ARE meant to die eventually. Though the larger flora, such as trees, live much longer than any being with blood; if you prevent the healthy deaths of Nature, you yourself will be disrupting balance. If you are confused about whether it is truly the time of death for whatever flora is suffering: Ask a Druid. We will be more than happy to come and work our words with Nature.
harlequinn noche con sol .:. elemental druid