Paper short abstract

An examination of the role Druidic cosmology plays in shaping the engagement of British Druids in anti-fracking activism and climate campaigning.

Paper long abstract

In response to Bird-David's questioning of the relationship between western eco-activism and animism (Bird-David 1999), this paper examines the environmentalist activities of one form of Western animism; modern Druidry. Arising from a richly phenomenological and deeply spiritual relationship with particular gods, spirits, and ancestors who are immanent within specific features in the landscape, Druidic morality hinges on a "love of all existences."

Why, though, have some environmental causes - such as the campaign against fracking - attracted far more participation from Druids than other issues, like climate change? Drawing upon recent literature examining the psycho-social impact of fracking on local communities, this paper makes the argument that the phenomenon of "dysplacement" (Jackson 2011) represents an existential threat to the entire experiential practice of Druidry; while the more systemic threat of climate change engenders a more general sense of unease that - although prompting critique and personal efforts to reduce personal impact - elicits scepticism and apathy when it comes to political action in international or national theatres.