Ep181: Druidic Enlightenment & European Mysticism - Dr Thomas Clough Daffern
Dr Thomas Clough Daffern is a philosopher, educator, peace activist, and peace officer for the Council of British Druid Orders.
Available on Youtube, iTunes, SoundCloud & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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 mysteries schools of his day, discusses the connections between Celtic culture and mystical Christianity, and shares his current research into Gnostic Gospels and the Gospel of Mary Magdalene.
Thomas also considers the guru disciple relationship, the dangers of prematurely declaring one’s enlightenment, and offers warning signs for recognising guru and cult figures.
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
Previous episodes with Dr Daffern:
To find our more about Dr Daffern, visit:
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James