Order
of Bards Ovates &
Druids
THE
DRUID TRADITION
Introduction
The
ancient teachings of the Druids represent one of the well-springs of
inspiration of the Western Spiritual Tradition. Druids were magicians
and poets, counsellors and healers, shamans and philosophers. In the
early days, as pre-Celts, they built stone circles and worshipped Nature
with her many faces. Later the Celts blended the inspiring esoteric,
mathematical and engineering skills of these megalithic peoples with
their own flamboyant artistry and wisdom traditions to create the Druidry
described by the Greeks and Romans.
Although
partly suppressed with the coming of Christianity, Druidry continued
to live through the work of the Bardic schools and the folk traditions
and customs of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England and Brittany.
The
18th century saw a revival of Druid practice which continues to this
day.
The
Order of Bards Ovates & Druids,
which traces its origins to 1717, is dedicated to presenting the Druid
Tradition in a way that is totally relevant to the needs of our time,
and yet which is firmly rooted in its ancestry and heritage.
In
Tune with the Spirit of our Times
More
than at any other time in human history, the fate of the planet itself
depends upon our thoughts and our actions. More than ever, we need a
spirituality that is rooted in a love of nature, a love of the land.
Druidry
and the teaching programme of The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids
is based upon this love for the natural world, and offers a powerful
way of working with, and understanding the Self and Nature - speaking
to that level of our soul and of our being which is in tune with the
elements and the stars, the sun and the stones. Through the work of
the Druids we are able to unite our natural, earthly selves with our
spiritual selves while working, in however small a way, for the safeguarding
of our planet.
As
our technological age seems increasingly unable to answer our spiritual
needs, more and more people are turning to traditions such as Druidry
to find a spiritual direction which recognises the importance and wonder
of the natural world, and which makes care for the planet one of its
central concerns.
The
aims of the Order
The
Order has two main aims:
-
To
help us develop our potential - spiritual, intellectual, emotional,
physical and artistic.
-
To
work with the natural world, to cherish and protect it, and to cooperate
with it in every way - both esoterically and exoterically.
A
belief in the interconnectedness and sacredness of all life lies at
the heart of Druidry. Following the Druid Way involves applying and
living a system of teaching which has evolved and developed over many
generations. Central to this system is the observance of eight particular
times during the year, through which deep connections are built between
ourselves and the world of Nature and of Spirit. At these times during
the year, we either individually or collectively celebrate the eight
seasonal festivals - the solstices and equinoxes and the four fire festivals.
In
between these eight festivals, those who wish, meet together to work,
study, meditate and enjoy each other's company as often as is practical.
These meetings are called Groves and are usually held monthly or fortnightly.
Individual
members and groups now exist in many countries all over the world, and
the Gaelic name of the Order, Cairdeas Mor Shaoghal Nan Druidh, means
'A Worldwide Fellowship of Druids'.
The
Order's Teaching Program
Some
view Druidry as a 'thing of the past' - but in reality it is a tradition
which has been evolving and growing from the earliest times to the present
day. Until recently, the practice of Druidry had been confined to those
who could learn by visiting a Grove in person. But about ten years ago,
The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids developed an experience-based
course in Druidry which could be followed by anyone wherever they lived.
Since its inception, over three thousand people of all ages and educational
backgrounds have begun this course, which works with the ideas and practices
of Druidry in a thoroughly practical, yet also deeply spiritual way.
The
course is given in three grades or stages: those of the Bards, Ovates
and Druids. Each grade has its own initiation which can be performed
alone at home, or with others in a Grove.
The
Bardic Grade
Taking
you on a journey through the cycle of the year, the Bardic grade introduces
all the basic concepts of Druidry and shows you how it is a living Way
that can be practised in the modern world, bringing a greater sense
of connection with all of nature, and with the ancient heritage of the
Druid wisdom-tradition.
If
you choose to take the course, each month you will receive a package
of four weekly Gwersu - teaching materials that present Druidry through
seed-thoughts, letters, exercises, poetry and ceremonies that you can
perform. In addition, eight times a year you will be sent the text of
the Druid ceremony for the forthcoming festival, together with a supplementary
Gwers explaining its significance. You will also be sent teaching material
on audio-tape cassette and a Workbook of the Grade - a reference manual
which is used throughout the year, and indeed throughout the work of
the Order.
The
Ovate and Druid Grades
Initiation
into the Ovate Grade is followed with work on the healing and divinatory
skills of the Druids, a study of sacred sites and trees, animals and
plants. In the Druid Grade, the teachings continue the study of the
Arthurian and Grail myths and are particularly concerned with helping
each member to find their true direction and purpose in life.
The
course at the first level in the Bardic Grade is self-directed, and
you are free to correspond or not as you feel appropriate, with a tutor/adviser
who is allocated to you at the beginning of the course. At any time
you may suspend your studies, either completely or for a time. In addition
to the course material, each month you will receive an informal newsletter
with contributions from members and local groups, including details
of talks, workshops and retreats.
What
sort of people follow the course?
Druidry
appeals to all sorts of people, of whatever age, race, nationality,
education, artistic ability or gender. People are attracted to the course
because they want to find a way that they can combine their spirituality
with their concern for the earth and their creativity. Because the course
works with our experience rather than with just intellectual knowledge,
it is accessible to everyone - regardless of how much or how little
they know.
What
others have said about the course
The
greatest value of the OBOD postal course is this: it exists. It is
available. Precious insights are being passed along. The mysteries
are being shared. Thanks to all who have made this course possible!
V.C. Vermont.
For
the renewed presence in my life of this sense of spiritual, magical
intimacy with the world of matter, I am deeply grateful. It takes
me back to my roots in more ways than one; it connects me deeply to
the earth of my nourishment, to the magical realm of the living world.
I have also learned so much about myself, about choice and about freedom.
S.H.London.
The
first thing that impressed me about the course, was the total lack
of religious dogma in the context of overall spirituality, which is,
I believe very true to the historical evidence suggesting that the
ancient Druids were neither exclusionary nor elitist about their 'gods'.
And the second profound impression was the ability of OBOD to integrate
the spiritual needs of humans with the realities of living a physical
existence. I know of no other way of thinking that so naturally integrates
what most religions see as the great opposites of existence: the body
and the spirit. And via OBOD, this is much more than just a philosophy
or a way of thinking - it is a way of living! I believe the Order
is a wonderful tool for reintroducing so much of what we have lost.
Thank you fo the gentle insight and knowledge, the sense of community
and connection, and the opportunity to experience life more completely.
J.S. Colorado.
How
is it that every time a question is in my mind, I turn the page of
the Gwers and the answer is before me? It is as if whoever compiled
these teachings anticipates the logical mind and then also its inner
workings. I am nearing the end of the Bardic grade, and I can honestly
say that never in my life have I needed such guidance as in the last
few months. I feel there is hope for us all if we continue to strive
for harmony with Mother Earth. P.B. Sussex.
The
last five months have been ones of tremendous growth and change. I
have realised at least two life ambitions; my intellect along with
my creativity has become sharper and clearer and more productive than
ever before, and I feel more at peace with myself as my mind has become
more balanced with my emotions. L.N. Reading.
The
last year has been one of exceptional professional development and
success for me and, as I have criss-crossed the world, the ability
to find a sanctuary of peace and creative reflection in the Grove
has proved truly a life saver. R.H. London.
Many
of the changes in me I believe are due to a sense of peace and of
purpose given to me by working through the studies of the Bardic grade.
These inner changes have in turn provoked more visible external changes.
This course has most definitely answered a call which has been with
me for as long as I can remember. D.L. Manchester
If
you feel you might like to follow the course, you can receive an introductory
package on a trial basis. If after studying the material you feel it
is not right for you, you can send it back, and we will return your
payment in full. If, however, you find it answers an inner call, then
you will be welcome to keep the package and begin a journey that we
feel sure you will find both exciting and rewarding. To:
OBOD,
PO Box 1333
Lewes, E.Sussex, England
BN7 3ZG
Please
mail me the Introductory Package on a trial basis I enclose 8 GBP which
I understand will be refunded to me if I return the material undamaged
within 30 days (If in Europe, please send an International Postal Money
Order or Eurocheque for 8 GBP.
(If
outside Europe, please send 20 USD either with an International Postal
Money Order or with a personal cheque drawn on a USA bank. Your package
will be sent airmail.) (Please make cheques payable to The Oak Tree
Press)
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Full
details of the Order's Campaign for Individual Ecological Responsibility
and Sacred Grove & Tree Planting Programme are sent with the first
package.