 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
|
|
 |
Training Program for The Cedar Grove Druid Order |
|||||
|
|
CEDAR GROVE DRUID ORDER Formerly Cedar Grove Druid Fellowship
TRAINING PROGRAM, a Proposal: Involving the restructuring of this fellowship, setting membership parameters, and establishing an Order of Cedar Grove Druid Fellowship. by Aspen, A Chief Administrator of CGDF/CGDO
To be posted publicly on CGDF’s discussion forum , cedargrovedruids@yahoo, pending review and revision by both active and acting Council members.
Fourth Draft. Post review and discussion with both active and acting council. 11/04/06, C.E., Samhuinn
A training program provides a service that would propel Cedar Grove into substantiation as a Druid group. This is a response to interest in a training program by members and prospective members. Available sometime in 2007. No Druid group can claim true original teachings of our Druidic predecessors, save from historical, archaeological, primary and secondary source material. And, of course, personal revelation and journey work. This material is available to all of us anyway. When we give of our money, time, and trust to a groups’ training program (many of which are wonderful and come well recommended- i.e.; OBOD, AODA, ADF, etc), we are receiving nothing secret or otherwise unavailable from our ancient Celtic ancestors. We are, however, receiving the particular modern theologies and philosophies of a particular group- non of which can rightly claim ‘Druidic authenticity’ other than the notion of ‘evolving spirit’. Many of today’s groups are influenced by decidedly non-druidic disciplines; ie, Gnostic Christianity, Qabalah, Theosophy, Hermetic magic, Romanticism of the early Druid revival, early Masonry, Egyptian and Classical magic, Eclectic Wicca, Buddhism, etc.. I certainly do not wish to imply here that these things are ‘bad‘, nor would I suggest that they not be part of an ever evolving modern Druidism, just that there is no reason to believe that already established groups should have the monopoly of Druid-identification validation via training-program, based on teachings that are of relatively modern origin, and certainly are not of ‘secret’ original Druid wisdom, much of which has been lost in the mists of time. Nor is the ground very strong which attributes some sort of exclusive validation to various groups who are currently established and recognized within the global Druid community. However, it can be rather daunting to approach the vast amounts of material that is available to the student of Druidry without a little help from those who have been there. I propose that it is time for Cedar Grove Druid Fellowship (Now Cedar Grove Druid Order) to offer a training program to those aspiring Druids in NW Washington who do not wish to receive training from our much esteemed aforementioned fellow groups, and wish a varied modern approach to Druidic training which caters to the diversity within our population who walk varied modern paths of the Druid Way, many of which are Solitary paths. This training program will be of a comparatively high quality, focusing on the interest and motivation of our students, allowing our students to seek learning in a highly individual and self motivated fashion, with the notion that the education should match the individual- not the other way around. Thus the structure of curricula will be very non-intrusive and give the student the freedom to seek and satisfy both spiritual and intellectual needs pertaining to each of the three traditional grades: Bard, Vate, and Druid. Each grade will have this same basic structure: I- Independent Study (w/ proscribed topics, and suggested bibliography, relevant to the grade) II- Seminar work (as available) III- Assigned a Mentor IV- Check with Mentor once/month, minimum. V- Keep and submit a journal (to be returned to student after review). VI- Submit a thesis/review/paper (optional format) at end of studies, at such time the student feels ready to demonstrate a certain mastery of relevant material. This will be kept on file with the Grove. VII- Ultimately a Certification of completion/recognition as Bard/Vate/Druid of Cedar Grove Druid Order. This is validation by a jury of peers. VIII- Each grade would take about a year minimum to complete. Time limits??? IX- The Druid Grade, and a proposed Seminary Level, may involve some sort of volunteer work (environmental, wildlife, activism, counseling internships, etc.).
Effects this would have on the current group dynamic of Cedar Grove Druid Fellowship/Order. How would this effect the membership criteria of our Grove? This has been of great concern when discussing this topic over the last year. Currently the Grove is an open fellowship with an evolving door membership; open, respectful, egalitarian, minimal authority. While this is a refreshing change from membership that is demanding and exclusive in other groups, this has also made for a group with little to offer the individual practitioner. Essentially there are no membership requirements or parameters to speak of. We do not wish this to change drastically, though some change is inevitable. Even less change is desired regarding our Council structure as it is felt that no one should be Arch- anything over other fellow travelers of the Druid Way within our membership. Thus, we have no ‘Chief Druid’, no ‘Arch-Druid’, no personality-centered leadership. We have a Council of Chief Administrators (ideally three) and Chief Pursewarden and Scribe. While a degree, by virtue of government and functional structure, of authority is inherent in these positions, they are positions emphasized by the notion of service- not authoritarian posturing. Why “Cedar” in Cedar Grove Druid Fellowship/Order? Cedar Trees have no anchor root, relying instead on the combined energy of the whole root system. We are a group rooted in our combined effort in mutual support. A training program might upset this delicate ideal within the membership itself. The concern with starting a training program is that it might create two different types of members- some sort of general member, and some sort of ‘inner-circle’. A certain dichotomous membership will unavoidably occur, this is true. Can we start a training program, become an Order in our own right, and maintain our egalitarian dynamic? We do not want to require training as a mandatory requirement of membership, but we do wish to create a dedicated membership of those who are willing to facilitate a supportive environment that encourages growth in the Druid Way. Can we be both a structured Order and an egalitarian Fellowship? It is believed that this is entirely possible. But only if the training does not consist of a group ‘secret’ dogma that must not be shared with the uninitiated. This is the case with many other groups. We can be different. We have already seen that all things Druidic are readily available to the astute researcher and spiritual practitioner, the ‘secret’ teachings of modern groups are indeed modern constructs- and thus conceivably expendable to the earnest student of Druid and Celtic studies. So the pedagogy prescribed above is one that both caters to the individual students’ learning needs, and omits elitist structures such as ‘secret’ teachings of a modern group. Our membership can remain on equal ground. An analogy: In a Christian church there are church going members, and those who also attend the Bible study. Non are ‘better’ or more initiated than others. It remains an open congregation. So with us, within our Membership; and extending out to an open Fellowship that is still public in nature. This is detailed below. An additional Seminary Level is proposed as well for those interested in seeking ordained ministry/priesthood within Cedar Grove, and wish to pursue such leadership roles one finds in the ministry, and/or start a branch of Cedar Grove of their own in another community.
Learning in the Training Program This training program is geared towards those individuals who are self-motivated, can be self-directed, who do not require a lot of structure to dictate the course of study. Guidance is given by mentors whose job it is to assist, guide, ensure the student does stay within the general learning parameters, offer support, and advocate for the student. Regular communication with the mentor is suggested, but 1ce/month contact is the minimum required use.
Mentoring in the Training Program The training is offered and mentored by Cedar Grove members who have many years of training and experience in other established Druid groups and/or as Solitary Practitioners, and have met the basic criteria of this training program, and have been credentialed accordingly by submission of relevant work, demonstrating that at least this basic criteria has been met, for our peer review and acceptance. It is the mentors job to assist, guide, ensure the student does stay within the general learning parameters, offer support, and advocate for the student upon time for ‘graduation‘. It is not the mentors job to control or administer a specific curriculum, or to push ones own agenda and/or beliefs onto the student. The student must be left to make personal decisions concerning their own take on belief, nurtured by the mentor- not dictated by the mentor. Meaningful sharing, not proselytizing.
Cost As yet undetermined. Some form of gift or compensation should be involved in exchange for the time and energy supporting the students’ education. Any money received should benefit CGDO’s ministry or grove activity expenses. $30.00/grade Students are responsible for purchasing their own books and materials.
Effect on Current Mission and By-Laws Changes made to our Mission and charter would be inevitable. The current Mission Statement would see certain revisions, especially regarding membership parameters, and Council structure. Consideration will be made for the possible future expansion of the Grove into an Order consisting of multiple Groves, ie; “Cedar Grove Druid Order, Seattle Grove“, for example. Should such growth occur, as a result of our training program, the infrastructure should be in place to support such growth. Possible changes: New Title- Cedar Grove Druid Order (CGDO). Education Panel- to be staffed by a minimum of three (involving the respective students’ mentor), all of which should be credentialed at a training level higher than that of the student. Cedar Grove Council- One small change, still open to any CGDO Member to apply/run for, save that at least one of the three Chief Administrators in any given CGDO Grove be a CGDO Clergy member.
New Membership Parameters The new membership may be defined as follows: Cedar Grove Druid Order Fellow Open to all who join us in good will, regardless of spiritual path, open door. All current members on our Yahoo discussion group fall into this category. This is the public community extension of the Order. This is also a great way for new members to try us on for size. Yahoo group discussion, Public Grove rituals, full Membership and training program available by application, public seminars, public volunteer opportunities, etc. In short: no one on the yahoo discussion group will really notice any change, or much difference between Fellow and Member memberships, as most of our activities are public anyway! Those that aren’t, aren’t. Essentially not much change, just an infrastructure facilitating Druidic practice and training. Simple requirement: Join the currently existing cedargrovedruids @yahoo.com discussion group. This is a public forum: no guarantee of member identity protection- that is up to the individual members to self regulate. Cedar Grove Druid Order Member Or “Peregrine”. Coined by Sutton and Mann, Druid Magic. A Spanish word meaning “pilgrim”, being a tribute to the Iberian Celts, for the Solitary Practitioner. For members who wish to have access to both the public and ’closed’ grove activities. Not a secretive fraternal inner circle (no secret teachings or secret dogmatic mysteries), but a dedicated membership into the Druid Way of this, the Cedar Grove Druid Order. A dedicated membership facilitates safety, trust, confidentiality, and discipline within our ranks and our rituals as a community of Druids, allowing for a mutually supportive learning, magic working, and worship environment within a specifically Druidic context. Membership involves an application, questionnaire regarding why Druidry is an interest to the individual, and annual dues (kept reasonable- $20.00). Council reserves the right to refuse or retract membership based on the ethical parameters set forth in our Mission/By Laws. All Grove activities and rituals are available to the Member, both public and non-public, including our Training Program, vote at grove meetings, and the right to hold office. Training Program not required for Membership. There will be a separate online forum for Members, in order to facilitate communication in the environment described above. This forum provides identity protection as it is not public. It can be a safe place for Pagan Druids & CGDO members who wish to stay in the ‘broom closet’. This forum will help facilitate all communications between Members of a personal nature, Council communications (currently done via emails anyway), communications touching on Pastoral Counseling confidentiality between clergy, Training communications involving the personal nature of students learning, center for online voting, or any communications you don’t want in the local newspaperJ .
TRAINING PROGRAM Bard 1 yr. These topics are covered at least in Survey: Celtic and Druidic History Anthropology/ European Archaeology Intro to Shamanism Basic Ritual and Spiritual Practice/discipline Intro to Meditation Lore/Myth Celtic World-View Art (music, poetry, painting, drawing, sculpture, dance, storytelling, etc-- How does Awen inspire you?) *A suggested bibliography will be provided. I- Independent Study (w/ proscribed topics relevant to the grade) II- Seminar work (as available) III- Assigned a Mentor IV- Check with Mentor once/month, minimum. V- Keep and submit a journal (to be returned to student after review). VI- Submit a thesis/review/paper (optional format) at end of studies, at such time the student feels ready to demonstrate a certain mastery of relevant material. This will be kept on file with the Grove. VII- Ultimately a Certification of completion/recognition as Bard of Cedar Grove Druid Order. This is validation by a jury of peers. VIII- This achievement may be ritually celebrated by the grove, if desired by the student.
Vate (It is understood that Bardic work continues throughout the student’s Druidic life, so topic redundancy is kept to a minimum.) 1 yr These topics are covered at least in Survey: Seership/Divination Ogham applications Magic Celtic Wisdom/Lore Healing Modalities (Herbalism, Shamanic healing, etc.) Shamanism *A suggested bibliography will be provided. I- Independent Study (w/ proscribed topics relevant to the grade) II- Seminar work (as available) III- Assigned a Mentor IV- Check with Mentor once/month, minimum. V- Keep and submit a journal (to be returned to student after review). VI- Submit a thesis/review/paper (optional format) at end of studies, at such time the student feels ready to demonstrate a certain mastery of relevant material. This will be kept on file with the Grove. VII- Ultimately a Certification of completion/recognition as Vate of Cedar Grove Druid Order. This is validation by a jury of peers. VIII- This achievement may be ritually celebrated by the grove, if desired by the student. Druid (It is understood that Bardic and Vate work continues throughout the student’s Druidic life, so topic redundancy is kept to a minimum.) 1-2 yrs These topics are covered at least in Survey: Cosmology “Celtic Culture” and Cultural Appropriation- Taking Responsibility. Survey (familiarity/ritual use) a Celtic Language Ritual Construction (geometry and choreography) Liturgical Design (composition/content) Celtic Law Theology/Poly- Eco-Theology Survey of Philosophy Druid Philosophy (Ethics, Triads, elements of the wisdom tradition) Natural Sciences Survey of Human Ecology (Wildcrafting, Permaculture, Bioregionalism, etc.) *A suggested bibliography will be provided. I- Independent Study (w/ proscribed topics relevant to the grade) II- Facilitating/teaching Seminars (for the grove, or open to the public) III- Assigned a Mentor IV- Check with Mentor once/month, minimum. V- Keep and submit a journal (to be returned to student after review). VI- Submit a thesis/review/paper (optional format) at end of studies, at such time the student feels ready to demonstrate a certain mastery of relevant material. This will be kept on file with the Grove. VII- Ultimately a Certification of completion/recognition as Druid of Cedar Grove Druid Order. This is validation by a jury of peers. VIII- The Druid Grade may involve some sort of volunteer work (environmental, wildlife, activism, counseling internships, etc.). IX- This achievement will be ritually celebrated by the grove. Seminarian/ Clergy Training >All previous levels of training are regarded as part of total seminary training, totaling a minimum of 4 years, for those who choose to commit to this additional step in their Druidic career. 1-2 yrs Basic Counseling* Pastoral Counseling* Death and Dying* General and Applied Psychology* Eco-Psychology* * Taking courses in these Psychology topics is encouraged. Local colleges offer class enrollment to non-matriculated students. Hospitals, clinics and wellness centers may have education opportunities. Guidance will be offered on counseling by qualified CGDF Mentors, but it is felt that such education in the general mental health profession is best done in a secular ‘mixed’ group class setting.Church Government Tax Law Event Organizing Fund Raising Comparative World Religions Interfaith Networking/Dialogue Public Relations Conflict Resolution Ecology and Human Diversity Starting a Grove *A suggested bibliography will be provided. I- As a clergy member of Cedar Grove Druid Order, one is a public representative of Cedar Grove, and in a position of trust and great responsibility. Therefore an application, essay, and questionnaire process must be completed, including an in-person interview (unless other arrangements are necessitated) with Cedar Grove clergy, and the submission of a resume including verifiable personal and professional references. II- Independent Study III- Facilitating/teaching Seminars (for the grove, or open to the public) IV- Assigned a Mentor V- Work close with Mentor regularly in the operation of the Grove. VI- Training in some form of counseling: ie; Substance Abuse, Hypnotherapy, NLP, previous ministry experience (youth, nursing home, etc.), Pastoral Counseling, Chaplain Training (Clinical Pastoral Counseling Education), etc. VII- Keep and submit a journal (to be returned to student after review). VIII- Submit a thesis at end of studies. This will be filed with the Grove. IX- Ultimately a Certification of completion/recognition as Ordained Druid Priest of Cedar Grove Druid Order. Ordination (ULC if not yet offered by Cedar Grove).This is validation by a jury of peers, upon meeting qualifying standards. X- The Seminarian Level will involve some sort of volunteer work (counseling internships, humanitarian volunteer work, etc.). This requirement may be waived if the seminarian has already demonstrated experience, current or past, verifiably, in volunteer or professional work. XI- This achievement/Ordination will be ritually celebrated by the grove.
Credit Transfer *Those interested members who have completed training in another Druid group/order, may submit written work for transfer in equivalency. CGDO respects the validity and legitimacy of other Druidic trainings, and is willing to honor such training by CGDO members. It is expected that the student will honor those respective groups’ wishes to not divulge any secret teachings in any work submitted to CGDO. *Those who have completed relevant coursework at a college or university may also submit written work for transfer in equivalency. *Life experience may be considered as credit for any given topic, by resume/references, on a case by case basis. *Solitary Practitioners may challenge each grade by early submission of relevant written work, and resume/references if relevant. Grading Pass/No Pass- for early challenges of any of the three grades by Solitary Practitioners. (all fees still apply, paid only once). Pass/Re-do- For all three grades, Bard, Vate, Druid. (fees paid only once, though.) Pass/Fail- Seminarian. Fees may apply for work redone toward Pass.
Rubrics , written work parameters
- Listing of topics with relevant info - Written work, Thesis/summary/review (format optional, unless otherwise specified) - Resume (for those challenging) - Plans for, and commitment to, Continuing Education. - Annotated Bibliography
The Future There may come a time when we may fill a need for distance training, and our Independent Study format will translate nicely to such a curriculum if implemented.
Comments and Authorship: Author: Rev. Kipp D. Trembley (aka Aspen), A Chief Administrator, CGDO Clergy Contributing Authors (2nd and consequent drafts): Rev. Darrin Rankin (Gryffyn), Chief Purswarden, CGDO Clergy Pacific Druid, Acting Council Member, Adviser Kismit, Acting Council Member, Adviser
ADDENDUM Concerning what is ‘public’ and what is not:
OR
FINI
|
