![[Druid symbol]](RDNA_sign.gif)
The concerns of many RDNA members, especially those from Carleton College during the '60's and early '70's, are somewhat different from those that usually appear in Druid-related internet discussions. Also, while there are certainly people around now who consider themselves Reformed Druids, the nature of the RDNA is such that they need not engage in any public activity so labeled.
For more information, see the RDNA home page, which has a link to a large collection of literature compiled by an Arch-Druid of the early 1990's.
In the "old" days (c. 1970) the Arch-Druid of Carleton had a mailbox at the college and could be reached by U.S. mail at
The Arch-Druid of Carleton
Carleton College
Northfield, MN 55057
More recently I was informed that the A-D could be reached in care of the
Chaplain
Carleton College
Northfield, MN 55057
It may also be possible to reach the Chaplain via the College Web Site. Apparently the Reformed Druids now have some sort of official recognition from Carleton. However, I have not tried this connection and in fact have no idea who is the current A-D or what goes on there now.
1 Jan 1998. Do the Reformed Druids claim to follow the ways of the ancient Druids?
The founders of the RDNA made it very clear that they had no intention of even approximating the practises and beliefs of the ancient Druids. This position is held by some members even today. See the Reformed Druids of North America Home Page for more information.
8 Sep 1998. What is the history of the RDNA symbol?
The RDNA symbol can be traced to sometime close to the founding of the Reform, in 1963. Beyond that it is obscure. For more information see Michael Scharding's essay on the subject
I have heard at least two different interpretations of the symbol, going back to the 1970's. Neither is connected to the Wiccan four elements. Officially the Reform is silent on this topic (and on just about everything else that would smack of dogma).
The Reformed Druids of North America (RDNA) were founded at Carleton College in the spring of 1963. There certainly were Christians among them. In fact, for at least a decade afterwards most of the Carleton members did not consider themselves to be pagans, and resented being so labeled.
The original rationale can be seen at Who are the Reformed Druids?
It is worth noting that the RDNA were founded in 1963, which makes them older than most of the organizations mentioned here [in alt.religion.druid] and, I suspect, many of the participants. At that time there were few, if any, groups who used the term "Druid" who had any better claim to Celtic legitimacy, whatever that might be. It is a little late to ask the RDNA to change their name. For that matter, it can't be done: Since c. 1976 there has been no organizational structure that can alter the name, or anything else.
2 April 2002. Did the Founder of the RDNA have any links to previously existing Druid organizations?
From his only known written statement on the subject, it seems he did not. He and his friends made up the whole thing at Carleton.
Go to RDNA page or to Religion Page or to Home Page.