It is said that the Song of Amergin encapsulates the essential, esoteric truths of “druidism.” My Buddhist-trained mind sees it as the “Heart Sutra” of Druidry. It contains all of the essential teachings deeply embedded in its imagery. One could study and meditate upon it for a lifetime and still not uncover all its secrets.

In my research of the Song, I’ve found dozens of translations, including a famous one by Robert Graves which, after reading more literal translations, I consider an abomination.

My personal version is one in which I cherry-picked preferred translations from two fairly literal versions: one I found in an ADF ritual and one by Lady Gregory. Here it is:

I am a wind upon the sea
I am a wave of the ocean
I am the sound of the sea
I am a stag of seven tines
I am the bull of seven battles
I am a hawk above the cliff
I am a golden teardrop of the sun
I am the fairest of blossoms
I am a wild boar in valor
I am a salmon in a pool
I am a lake in a plain
I am the word of knowledge
I am the head of the spear in battle
I am the God who kindles fire in the head
Who enlightens the assembly upon the mountain, if not I?
Who telleth the ages of the moon, if not I?
Who showeth the resting-place of the sun, if not I?

I found a very helpful exposition of the Song, with the original Celtic text, literal translation, and poetic interpretation of each line, by Mad_Dog_Fargo, on Everything2.com. He concludes with his own observation about the deeper meaning of the Song:

The Song of Amergin is not really about what it means to be a druid, but rather what it means to be a poet. Since it has established that the poet lives in varying forms in all of us, it is applicable to druids, but is also applicable to everyone.

In other words, it’s not about being a druid, it’s about being human.