Violence is a universal constant. The survival of any species, any life form throughout the universe, depends upon its ability to survive violent attacks. If aliens were to land on Earth, they may or may not be benevolent, but one thing is for sure - they will understand how to wage war and defend themselves from the same. Why am I so sure? Because those aliens don’t know what is out there. The are wandering into unexplored territory and must be prepared for whatever comes their way. They must expect that they may run into other aliens who might want to kill them. Therefore, they must be prepared to fight.

I do not believe, then, that our ability to wage war or to kill marks us as somehow unnatural, or un-evolved. There is no “higher” level of evolution of the human species at which violence will be some distant, historical anomaly. Violence is simply a fact of life, and our ability to deal it out is a necessity.

However, I am a Druid. I pray for peace and actively work for peace. Why? Because that, too, is a necessary part of life. According to the Gaia theory, the Earth itself is one large organism. I would add that communities, states, and nations, are also organisms. Even corporations, much to my chagrin, are organisms. In the definition of what life is, it is said that living organisms tend toward homeostasis, or an equilibrium of parameters that define their internal environment. Violence is anything that abruptly disrupts that homeostasis. As living organisms, we naturally tend to avoid violence and seek peace. Peace is safer. Peace supports our homeostasis.

According to one popular bumper-sticker: “If you want peace, work for justice.” I believe that to be true. Now here is the paradox: justice requires violence or the threat of violence! Think about how justice is administered. Yes, often a court will decide a dispute between two parties, and the parties live with the decision of that court. No violence there. In ancient tribal societies, a council might decide disputes between members. All we see is peace and harmony.  But how do we make sure the people live with the judgment imposed? We lock them up or take their stuff, or banish them from our village if they don’t. We threaten them with violence. Frequently, the symbol of justice is the sword.   That is no accident. Justice is brought by the sword. Peace requires justice which requires violence.

As a Druid, I seek to bring about all the conditions that benefit the survival of my community: peace, prosperity, harmony with nature and the spirits. I am an element in the survival of the organism that is my community and the Earth itself. So, I work for peace, even knowing that “world peace” is simply not possible.

While we pray for peace in the world, Druids are not pacifists. We must see that, while we strive for peace, it is a peace that is part of the natural order. A peace that recognizes that violence, too, is part of that natural order. There are many tales of Druids stepping in between warring armies and ending wars. But we must remember that there are as many examples of them rallying armies and fomenting wars, too.

If you want peace, seek justice; but for justice be prepared to fight.