Contemporary Druidry is a religious expression that claims ties to the ancient Druids of Indo-European origin. These ties are not necessarily historical as much as they are ideological. As one expression of this form of Druidry, Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) represents a vital and growing new religious movement in the United States and Western Europe. The question arises as to how people encounter ADF and what leads them to become adherents. This article analyzes field data to build a framework for understanding the various pathways to ADF. Utilizing the Lofland-Stark model of conversion, the article discusses conversion theory in light of the testimonies of adherents to ADF. The article concludes by suggesting that religious deprivation, religious identity, and religious legitimacy are factors that contribute to conversion and should be a focus of study in conversion theory.
University of California Press