Were the ancient druids an early Masonic cult?

Just like the Freemasons, the druids had elaborate rituals of initiation in which ancient secrets were passed on from an “enlightened” High Priest to the new candidate. Just like the freemasons, the candidate went through a ritual “death” then was arisen into enlightenment during the 3rd degree of initiation.

Here is an interesting read on how ancient traditions spread from Egypt to Phoenicia and to the ancient druids of Gaul and Britain which helped craft modern masonry : www.ancientmonks.com...