In this interview I am once again joined by Dr Thomas Clough Daffern philosopher, educator, peace activist, and peace officer for the Council of British Druid Orders.

In this episode, Thomas shares his lifetime of research into the druid tradition of the British Isles and Europe, including his historical research and personal contact with druids today. Thomas reveals why most modern day druid groups are reconstructionists, and probes the possibility of a living druid lineage in certain areas of Ireland.

Thomas explains why he believes Jesus was an initiate of the mystery schools of his day, discusses the connections between Celtic culture and mystical Christianity, and shares his current research into the Gnostic Gospels and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene.

Thomas also considers the guru disciple relationship, what ‘enlightenment’ means in different traditions, the dangers of prematurely declaring one’s enlightenment, and offers warning signs for recognising guru and cult figures.

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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep181-druidic-enlightenment-and-european-mysticism

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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Topics Include:

00:00 - Intro

01:10 - Discovering the druids

02:06 - Researching the occultist Dr John Dee

03:07 - Meeting a druid

04:28 - Advocacy for access to British sacred sites

09:42 - Druid spread across Europe

12:08 - History of the druids

16:26 - Was Jesus Christ an initiate of the mysteries?

18:54 - Gnostic gospels and the inner disciples

20:56 - Love and wisdom confronting false power and ignorance

22:06 - Celtic-Christian connections

23:42 - Thomas’ current research into the Gospel of Mary Magdalene

25:55 - Are current druid groups reconstructions or part of a living lineage?

31:44 - Advocacy for Irish culture

32:37 - Druidry should be taught in schools

33:36 - Druids and enlightenment

37:32 - Buddhism vs the druid path

42:16 - What is enlightenment?

42:59 - Common root of Vedic, Kabbalist, and Druid teachings

49:31 - Druid revolutionaries

54:27 - The Judas mystery

58:47 - Great teachers and bad disciples

01:00:47 - Keats’ school for souls

01:01:24 - Planetary enlightenment or bust

01:03:31 - Golden Gate Project

01:04:47 - The Eastern gate of Jerusalem

01:08:51 - Transcending revenge consciousness

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Previous episodes with Dr Daffern:

- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=daffern

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To find our more about Dr Daffern, visit:

- http://www.educationaid.net/

- https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/iipsgp

- https://interfaithpeacetreaty.wordpress.com/

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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James