| Founded: June 1992 | Online Since: Late 1997 | Latest Reincarnation: April 2008 |
The time right now is Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:45 pm
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What is the Dragon Guild
Let us begin with what is a Guild.
A Guild, by definition, is an organisation of persons with common skills or cultural interests formed for mutual aid and protection.
So, what is the Dragon Guild?
The Dragon Guild is an organisation of persons who have common skills and cultural interests who have banded together for mutual aid and protection.
What are these skills and cultural interests?
Guild Members have a variety of skills, but they are generally grounded in the "old ways". The ways of the ancient healers, wise women and tribal shaman for example. Our cultural interests vary considerably, but generally, we share links and interests with the tribal peoples of the world; the celts, vikings, native americans, incas, aztecs, kalahari bushmen, aborigines, etc.
Many of us are pagan, but not all. We do not discriminate on the grounds of belief, unless that belief system is in direct conflict with the Guild's Code and practices. Nor do we discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, creed or sexuality. We try to promote tolerance and acceptance.
We in the Guild all share a common code. The Guild Code. It is not really specific to the Guild. It is a universal code of support and understanding for those persons who hold dear to the old ways. Those who cherish knowledge and the Truth.
The Dragon Guild is made up of people from many backgrounds, and those that they hold dear. All Guild Member and Guild Charges possess a symbol of the Dragon Guild. The Symbol can take the form of either a Dragon pendant or an amulet with the Dragon's Eye.
If you have further questions please refer to the Forum.
Why Is it called the Dragon Guild?
Within the world there are many who are honoured with the Gift of Magick, but few are born knowing of the Truth. Fewer still are blessed with both. These few are the Guardians. They possess special Souls, the Souls of Dragons.
We are the protectors of the world. It is our quest to prevent the Truth being lost from this world. We must seek it out and protect it from destruction or neglect.
One example of an historic Guardian may be found in Maelgwn Gwynedd. This Celtic king of the sixth century is sometimes referred to as the 'Dragon of Britain'. Some stories have suggested that he had a Dragon within him, and that he was a protector of the old ways, and of Britain.
We of the Guild believe that we are the modern day 'Guardians'. Some of us believe we have 'Dragons' within us, but we all strongly believe that we must protect the Earth and the 'Old Ways' of its people. Maelgwyn Gwynedd was the 'Dragon of Britain', but we are the 'Dragons of the Earth'.
Because of this association with the Dragon (its, knowledge, strength and loyalty), we call this the DRAGON GUILD.
The History & The Vision
The Dragon Guild has been online since late 1997, but it's real founding date is much earlier than that. The real origin of the Guild can be traced back to the 19th of June, 1992. This was the 21st Birthday of a mate of mine (who is not part of the Online Dragon Guild, but is as much a member as anyone.). Both he, and I, have always loved Dragons, so on his 21st Birthday I gave him two things. One was a silver Dragon pendant, and the other was a promise. The promise went along the lines of;
From that promise the Guild began, because "a Dragon flies to offer aid". We stand for love, Honour and Protection. My friend and I would, even now, after living away from each other for 5 years, risk our lives for each other. All one of us need do is call.
After this we started giving Dragon Pendants to our girlfriends and close friends. They became our charges and we gave them the same promise. Some of these pendants even went overseas with people.
One of the early people to get a Dragon pendant was my best friend, who happens to be Stef's wife. When I gave one to her, I also gave one to Stef and asked that he share the promise. So, he became more than just a charge. He became a Dragon like the two of us who had started it all. Things then went quiet for a few years till I started my Homepage (the Wanderer's Realm) and I got the idea that we take it online. I discussed things with Stef and told him of my dream that one day the Guild might be worldwide (See Below). We agreed on it and the Dragon Guild was born. the rest is, as they say, is history.
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Well, that is basically the story of how things began, but I would like to also share my dream or vision of what the Guild is becoming, and might become.
I believe that the modern world has largely lost its way. We no longer understand the true workings of the Earth, the power it contains, or how to use that power. We have lost touch. My belief is that the answer to us reclaiming this knowledge and power lies in the teachings and practices of the ancients (the Tribal peoples of the world - celts, native americans, incas, aztecs, kalahari bushmen, aborigines, etc). They were, and some still are, much more in touch with the world than modern people are.
So, I believe that it is the role of the Guild to salvage, gather, accumulate this knowledge and protect it for the future of us all.
Along with the salvaging and protection of knowledge, I believe that it is our purpose to look out for and after each other. I foresee that in years to come (maybe 10, or maybe 30 years) the Dragon Guild would be a world wide guild. It would have Members on every continent. Then, if any Member needed help anywhere in the world, they would have another Member nearby that they could call on for help. To me that would be an amazing and very special thing. And, I can only hope that it will come about within this lifetime.
Well, I think I have bored you all enough. But, I hope some of you at least found something of interest in all of this. Thank you for taking the time to read this and, till next we meet.....
May the wind be at your backs.....