MoG Beltaine 2013

Messenger of the Gods

Calan Mai : Beltaine 2013

C ontents S S S S

Welcome / Directory About the Cover Artist About ADO About the Founders

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Power of Names Lore ADO and Family Avalon in the World

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Announcements Member Submissions Special Features Learning Circles

The Centre of the Glastonbury Zodiac:—Park Wood (Draco): Future site of “Solar Park” © 2011 by Philip Tonkin. Used by permission.

Welcome!

Director

The information in this journal is provided free for your personal use as a window into our spiritu‐ al community. The ADO website and publications such as “Messenger of the Gods” provide more solid information on Avalonian Faery Druidry than any resource except direct experience. Feel free to post relevant questions to the guest area of our website Forum, where you may read first‐ hand accounts of life within the Order and share your dreams of Avalon with other like‐minded Seekers. You are welcome to our hearth fire!

Featured Cover Artist: Amanda Clark “Isle of Avalon” by Amanda Clark. Amanda is a UK‐based artist. To view, purchase or com‐ mission Amanda’s work, please visit her web‐ site: www.earthangelsart.com and/or blog: www.earthangelsart.blogspot.com . _________

Feat red original works are used by per ission, ee of charge, without compensation to the ar ist. Use is rest icted to MoG and a download link image at our website. Editor(s) may replace or republish submissions at a later date with or without prior notice.

To submit work for consideration, send optimized JPEG or GIF images (res. 200‐300 pixels), along with a brief description of yourself as an ar ist. Please keep your originals, as we cannot ret r them. Your submission constit tes your legal consent to these ter s and conditions.

ELDER COUNCIL: Morgaine, Hen!Cuk, Ebby, Meliaska, Caroline, Sarah BAND OF GUARDIANS (BoG): Caroline, Sarah, Meg COUNCIL LIAISON TO BoG: Morgaine CHIEFTAIN: Meliaska MIDWIFE: Ebby MEMBERS LIAISON: Morgaine MERLINS (OUTSIDE LIAISONS): Morgaine & Hen!Cuk ADO EMAIL: ado_admin@avalondruidorder.org

About ADO The Avalon Druid Order (ADO) is a small international community following Avalon’s root wisdoms as remembered, observed, and taught by one of Avalon’s Faery Druid Motherlines. It was the first Order of mod‐ ern Avalonian Faery Druids to be founded in the New World.

Members are lifelong learners who have answered a Spiritual Call to service. As a working community, we strive to bring eve‐ ry aspect of daily life into harmony with our spiritual beliefs and practices. The commu‐ nity works on a ‘quid pro quo’ basis, with access to community resources correspond‐ ing to demonstrable service, regular partici‐

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pation and conformance with member require‐ ments.

The Holy Isle existed long before the Celtic Sisterhoods. It was old when the Celts arrived and has existed in many cultures and lands. It draws on the magical power that imbues everyday reality with meaning and significance. Our Myster‐ ies centre on healing the Wasteland by re‐ storing and maintaining Harmony and the generative powers of Mother Earth. From these simple practices, everything else pro‐ ceeds.

Our Vision is to preserve, perpetuate, and grow Avalon’s native ancestral spirituality, applying its wisdoms and practices to the needs of modern times. These root wisdoms are simple, easy to learn, and almost per‐ fectly suited to modern needs, but they are also hard‐won, because they demand that we resist mainstream pressures to conform.

Understanding and adopting an authentical‐ ly ‘native’ Avalonian worldview is prerequi‐ site to applying Tradition practices to the dilemmas of modern life. The Way is sim‐ ple, but it is hard‐won, since it requires us to constantly resist mainstream pressures to conform. We each make this journey at our own pace and arrive in our own time.

It is not difficult to see that the world is quickly becoming a less tolerant place. The restrictions imposed upon ‘minority faiths’ by mainstream societies makes acquiring our own lands necessary in order to have the freedom to follow our own beliefs. But

there are other priorities as well. At present these include: (1) Establishing a fund to help disadvan‐ taged members attend gatherings; (2) Supporting / establishing foundations to protect and maintain sacred sites; (3) Collaborating with other Avalonians and non‐Avalonians on efforts intended to serve the highest common good (e.g.

World healing, peace, etc.).

Naturally some of these goals require more members than reside now within our com‐ munity, but if we forge a path from the work‐a‐day world to Avalon, overcoming mainstream habits and illusions, then the rest will certainly follow.

The way ahead is challenging. Growth must be balanced with effective guardian‐ ship of the Tradition, outreach, and services to members. Those who come to us must be driven, but not ruthless; enthusiastic, but focused; determined, but not inflexible.

They must be people of integrity, strength, and courage, whose behaviour exemplifies what it means to be a member of an Avalo‐ nian spiritual community, and who are dedi‐ cated to the good stewardship of this plan‐ et. In an age of ease, only the few seek a life of self‐discipline, wisdom, and service.

It is these rare individuals who will take Ava‐ lon and ADO into the Coming Age. We invite you to explore the unfolding of this Vision with us… mo‐ ment by moment, day by day.

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About the Founders Morgaine is the Founder and Elder Dreamer of Avalon Druid Order (ADO). Over the past decade, her work has restored to the Druid branch of the Greater Tradition Ava‐ lonian wisdom teachings that are routinely omitted by Celtic‐inspired Sisterhoods, and reintegrated them into the ADO’s wisdom teachings and practices. In addition to devel‐ oping the Order’s current coursework, she has written five books documenting these root wisdoms for the ADO archives. She is currently writing two books for general publication, while continuing to serve as ADO’s primary mentor, ex‐officio Council Elder, and “Merlin” (outside liaison); in which capacity she is pres‐ ently engaged in collaborating with a network of other Druids around the world.

In her ‘past life’ Morgaine was a member of the Sisterhood of Avalon (SOA), where she was appointed to its first Council of Nine, original Bylaws committee, and served as one of its first Seminary (ATS) mentors.

She studied Celtic herbalism and spirituality under Archdruidess Gina McGarry (October 2001‐Brighid’s Academy of Healing Arts) and spent the last decade studying, practicing, and teaching Avalon’s native (pre / proto‐Celtic) ‘Faery’ spirituality under mentors in the Isles and Western Europe. Morgaine continues to serve on the Council of Nine for the Sisterhood of the Hearth / Three Stones Abbey, and represents ADO on the Druidic Dawn's International Council on Druid Uni‐ ty.

As a professional thespian, Morgaine trained under master teachers including: Kristin Linklater, Tina Pack‐ er, Jane Gibson, Trish Arnold, and Susan Dibble (June 1988‐Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA), Jacques Lecoq, David Gaines, and Norman Taylor, among oth‐ ers (1990/91‐Ecole Intérnationale du Théâtre du Mouve‐ ment Jacques Lecoq, Paris, France). She is a Tibetan and Usui Reiki Master, a perpetu‐ al author, amateur musician and poet, and (by necessity) home renovator.

Hen!Cuk is Co‐Founder of the Order and Founder of the Druid Brotherhood of Iona (DBOI), coun‐ terpart to the Avalonian Order of Ninefold Sisterhoods (AONS) founded by Morgaine. He is also an Elder, Dreamer, and member of the ADO Elder Council. He has served on the Band of Guardians, serves as a “Merlin” or Myrddin(outside liaison) be‐ tween ADO and other Druids and spiritual organisa‐ tions and, with Morgaine, leads workshops for ADO Novices and Elders through Rhosyn Ddraig Grove.

Hen!Cuk is a practicing Celtic herbalist and Tibetan and Usui Reiki Master Teacher. His past ‘incarnations’ include serving as a Master Mason (Scottish Rite), Welsh Wiccan High Priest, ordained minister of the Spiritual Science Church, and ‘psychic operative’ and reader trained in the original Silva Mind Institute pro‐ gramme. He is also a gifted photographer, amateur musician, poet, gardener, and (by necessity) home ren‐ ovator.

Vision & Legacy Morgaine and Hen!Cuk are dedicated to the belief that the future of any spirituality lies in the strength of its roots in family and community life. ADO’s emphasis on Tribes and community is a testament to their dedi‐ cation. The Founders share a vision of all Avalonians as serving not only their own memberships but Avalon’s Greater Ancestral Tradition, which encompasses all Avalonian spiritualities. They perceive a need for Ava‐ lon to be a visible, unified force for healing, peace, and harmony in the world within our own circles and com‐ munities, and across organisational, denominational, and national boundaries.

As ‘Merlins’ (outside liaisons), they also advocate for greater cooperation between members of spiritual paths, and believe that this may be achieved without risk to our unique identities, teachings, and practices, and without subordinating ourselves to other mentors, groups or spiritualities.

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The Power of Names We are gifted names by the Deities and our Guides as we walk our Path; Tribe name, Craft name, Druid name. The name shows our place in the Tribe, where we are on our Path, or who is Guiding our way. The name may be known to the en‐ tire Tribe, used only among Druids, or shared only with the Deities. When we embrace our Name, we embrace our Path.

Member Name Changes If one has read a previous article in MoG, one may have notice a different name gracing the face of the C0‐Founder of the Order and Founder of the Druid Brotherhood of Iona.

Hen!Cuk has chosen to use his Tribe name instead of Myrddin, which is a title. One may have noticed another name change. After work done with her Tribes of Horse and Swan, ADO Chieftain is now using the Tribe name bestowed upon her.

empowering life.

Lore is not a stagnant tapestry of events or myths. It is filled with vibrate stories, cautionary tales, and pathways to reach personal great‐ ness. Our lore has survived for centuries, having a new varnish or wrapping with each telling, but keeping the essential kernels of truth within in.

The stories and myths in the lore need retelling.

They need the breath of life to rebirth the wis‐ dom and teachings in each new age.

I offer this challenge to each of you. I offer the challenge to take up a copy of the Mabinogion

by Gwyn and Thomas Jones and read the lore of the present Tide. As you read, ask yourself the following questions: What do you learn that is relevant to your present life struggles? What wisdom do you find for your concerns? What do you discover about yourself that will empower you to have a brighter future? As you read and explore possibilities, remember to enjoy the journey. Frequently, the journey is more im‐ portant than the destination.

[Meliaska, Novice Singer]

A Brother’s Perspective on the Beltane‐Tide

Lore Avalon’s lore derives from her sacred story cycle and the feast days that are celebrated in it. Each Tide of the Sacred Year has its own focus, which we shall explore here.

Lore in Daily Life Lore, myths, and fables are some of the words used to describe the traditions and knowledge of a spiritual practice or order. In Avalon Druid Order lore is the flesh on the bones of our spir‐ itual foundation. Encoded in our lore is infor‐ mation on how to live a healing, self‐

Imbolc marked the shift into a new Tide. As we shared our Imbolc meal of Lamb, Mint Jelly, Po‐ tatoes smothered in gravy made of the drip‐ pings from the leg of lamb, etc. we considered the myths of the Samhain Tide that was just ending, and the myths of the incoming Beltane Tide. How had Cerridwen and Celi manifested in our lives over the past few months? How had our relationships with them grown? What do we hope to share with Don and Beli as the Beltane Tide advances? What can we do to strengthen our rela‐ tionships with them? These and many other questions were pondered along with discussions of Grove and

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ADO practices.

As with Astrology, the cycle of the seasons and the other cycles we observe, the out‐ going energy of Samhain Tide does not stop suddenly because it is a certain day (Imbolc), rather there is a gradual lessening of the out‐ going energy or influence and a gradual in‐ crease of the incoming Beltane energy. In As‐ trology the influence of any given planet or aspect starts slowly and accelerates, peaks and gradually fades away as the next planet or aspect approaches. Even as winter fades and spring advances, despite our sometimes thinking that “Spring has Sprung” or arrived over night, the shifts in temperature and lengthening of daylight hours actually is a gradual process.

The changes that happen within each of us as we tackle our Shadow Work gradually weaken the shadow which we are working to heal.

Gradually as our intention takes root, we ex‐ perience the strengthening of the incoming energy with which we wish to replace the old shadow. I often have to remind myself that we each are following our own spiral path. I think back to when we climb the Tor in Glas‐ tonbury, and feel the currents of energy there, some of which push us along and oth‐ ers which seem to pull or resist our progress.

Those currents work in ways similar to the events of our lives which are accelerated or retarded by the decisions we made and ac‐ tions we took as we traversed earlier spirals of our lives. In the same way that we can see the potentials and challenges of each stage in our lives through astrology, we can also see and predict the outcome of decisions and ac‐ tions we are now contemplating, if we re‐ member what decisions we made and what we did at earlier stages of our lives.

Each Tide gives us an oppor‐ tunity to review our pro‐

gress in a new context and at a new station in the un‐ ending Spiral that is our lives. May we each see and honour the growth we have experienced and the challenges that made us strong enough to make better choices as we gain in knowledge and wisdom through our ADO studies, and apply that wisdom to our life experiences.

Bendithion, Hen !’ Cuk

ADO and Family Raising an ADO Child ADO trains people in the worldview of Avalon in a time that has long past but is ever present in memory. It is a worldview of balance, harmo‐ ny and self‐empowerment. It is a worldview in which one is a living, breath‐ ing part of literally everything in this world. It is a rich tradition for living a fulfilling life.

The training is offered to those of legal adult age in the States which is 18 years old. There is no official training offered to youngsters.

So, how does one raise an ADO child? I believe that the answer is not hard. One raises a child by the worldview one believes. This simple statement has vast implications and varia‐ tions.

One can teach the stories in the Mabinogion at any age. The different layers and meanings of the Lore can be discussed depending on the age and development of the youngster.

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Such was done in the Tribes in the time of Samhain Tide around the hearth fire.

friends both pro and con; and finally I had to make up my own mind of where I stood. But making up your mind isn’t enough. My con‐ science and my spirit guides were insistent, once you are aware, the next step is action and imperfect action is better than none at all.

One can teach respect and the laws, how to treat each other and all living things. One can teach a youngster to tread quietly near a nest of young chicks, or be still when a doe brings her fawn to drink at a stream. One can teach how to track, how to build a bender, or how to start a fire. One can So that’s how I found myself in full druid rega‐ lia standing outside the Victoria Island enclave teach survival skills to youngsters of all ages. of Chief Spence’s hunger strike, shaking in my One can teach youngsters skills to make cloth boots. and dye it. One can teach how to make a loaf My understanding is that the protest is to stop the federal government from passing of bread or care for a hive. One can teach youngsters how to build and play a harp. One laws which erode treaty and indigenous rights and the rights of all Canadians; protect land can teach youngsters how to live in harmony and water; and reset the relationship be‐ and balance in the world. tween the Crown and indigenous peoples. To I hope that I have given food for thought. I would like to invite others to share stories of how members are raising ADO children or how they bring ADO into their everyday living.

Meliaska

Avalon in the World It is part of the Order’s founding vision that ADO members collaborate on workings on mutually beneficial endeavours with our spiritual kindred worldwide. Since the last issue our members have supported and or collaborated with other spiritual PR action‐ ers and or groups in the following way: A Spiritual Pilgrimage I’d read the news articles both for and against the cause; asked the advice of

begin this process the Chief has been subsist‐ ing on tea and broth until she can meet with the Prime Minister and ideally the Governor General. I am no expert and better minds than I have explained her points. I acknowledge there is controversy about the protest and I would recommend an article by Dr. Brendan Myers for more information:http:// www.brendanmyers.net/ blog/2013/01....theresa‐spence/ (last accessed 2013 Jan 9). At the end of his post he asks, “What are you going to do?”

I am going to talk about action and fear.

Putting together an offering of tea and a note was easy: For Chief Spence or her people, In support of your noble fast and in friendship to you and your people, a strengthening tea: • Nettle – nutritive, protec‐ tive • Borage – nutritive,

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strength and courage • Fennel – nutritive, soothes digestion, pro‐ tective

In Thanks for your work. Sarah, on behalf of The Avalon Druid Order, 2013 Jan 9.

Going was less easy. I started to feel nervous as soon as I contemplated going. While I was scraping the ice off the car I was convinced the neighbors were judg‐ ing my black robes, even though subsequent mes‐ sages were positive ones (when I bought the herbs, the clerk com‐ mented on how nice and witchy I looked). The borrowed CD of a fellow novice sustained me (The Mass by Era) as I drove and I tried to figure out how to get to Victoria Is‐ land. Would there be parking? Media? Would I remember the names Attawapiskat First Na‐ tion, Chief Spence’s tribe, and Anishnabe terri‐ tory, where the island resides? Would it mat‐ ter if I couldn’t? What business did I have to intrude?

The enclave looked battened up tight. The door, part of the stockade wall was closed. It was swung open at my arrival and I was wel‐ comed inside. It seemed like any early morn‐ ing camp. There a couple of dozen people sit‐ ting by a fire and milling about sipping coffee.

There was more snow, a few more feathers and hushed conversations than I was used to, but it was not unfamiliar. I was directed to the kitchen where I could give my offer‐ ing to the cook. I realized that more mundane items

like bacon or coffee would probably have been of more value than my spiritual tea but she took my gift and e‐ mail address graciously. Eve‐ ryone was very nice. I managed around 15 minutes.

The voices in my head screamed at me to feel shame: shame for the way the indigenous peoples have been treated; shame, for choos‐ ing unconsciously to ask the only other white person there for directions on where to put my offering; shame for not doing it right; for not knowing more.

But listening is important. Not listening to the voices of shame but listening to the earth, to our spirit guides and to what’s right is important. So I went. Fear should not prevent us from trying to learn and listen and do what’s right. Indeed I don’t know of much change that hap‐ pens inside our comfort zones.

Read more: http://adoadmin.proboards.com/ index.cgi? board=relatedconversaions&action=display&t hread=240&page=2#ixzz2HX4wUElA [ Sarah Webberly 2013].

Announcements The Great Council of the Avalon Druid Order (ADO) would like to announce the following items of interest to our guests and community members: S

NEW PATHWALKER:

ADO is proud to announce that Sister Meg per‐ formed her Dream of Calling and has accepted her Path as Meg Blue Jay Pathwalker.

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stowed upon us.

MoG PUBLICATION:

Our founder has been in charge of this fabulous publi‐ cation since its inception. She is in the process of mentoring Sister Meliaska to take over the responsibility for the MoG.

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Annual ADO Tribes Gathering & New Member Induction / Rebirthing Ceremony: October 2013—in Canada! (New ADO dedi‐ cants and Lifetime Members only) Last year’s Gathering reflected another step away from modern ‘intensive workshop’ modes of learning to a ‘tribal life and legend’ way of sharing and passing on knowledge and skills. Overall it was an amazing weekend! This year’s Gathering is being held in Canada.

We’ve added two days for this Gathering to permit us to hold Dreams of Calling, ritu‐ al ceremony, and focus on two areas of training. This year we will be rebirthing new Members into our spiritual community (the Order), so our focus will be on learn‐ ing what it means to be an ADO Tribes member, and on basic skills like Banishing, Shielding, Warding, Dreaming, and Sacred Storytelling.

As a Dreaming community within an oral Tradition, we must all learn these skills as well as the skills of traditional community, which asks us to remember how to watch and listen from the centre within us, how to walk gently on the land with an aware‐ ness of (and appreciation for) the life around us, and how to live a life of grati‐ tude for the many blessings that are be‐

Pilgrimage to the Motherland, 2014. Con‐ ditions being what they are, this may be our final trip to the Motherland in this life‐ time. The carbon footprint of air travel is simply too great to contemplate continu‐ ing to fly when the planet is under such tremendous stress, and travel by boat is simply not practical for most working peo‐ ple. April 2014 looks like an auspicious time for working with Avalon’s energies. How‐ ever, rapidly increasing costs may put a crimp in our plans. Check the “Events” thread at the ADO Forum for updates and information on current overseas pilgrim‐ age plans.

If you are considering joining and would like to make this trip with us, you will need to enrol and complete the Aspirant course first. Please see the website (“Join ADO” page) for details.

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Aspirant & Member Policies: Leave of Absence Policy. As of Fall 2011, Leaves of Absence are no longer granted to ADO Lifetime members. Aspirants are limited to one Leave of Absence of up to 12 consecutive months, upon written request, and by approval of the ADO Elder Council.

Access to ADO Resources & Training. Ac‐ cess to ADO resources and training is com‐ mensurate with the Member’s demonstra‐ ble participation and service within the Or‐ der, as documented by Forum posts and tutoring feedback, chat and Grove attend‐ ance, and our assessment of the Aspirant or Mem‐ ber’s core values and worldview. (Note: Log‐ ging in and reading at our

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Forum does not qualify as ‘participation’.)

teachings more accessi‐ ble, providing more peo‐ ple with the tools and inspiration to follow the basics of this path while living in harmony with Nature and our world, and allow Members to begin mak‐ ing lasting, meaningful, positive change a reality in their daily lives.

Aspirant Fee. As of Fall 2011, Aspirants may choose whether to pay the Aspirant fee upon enrolment in the Aspirant course or upon acceptance of a place in the Druid Novitiate. However, Aspirants (and Mem‐ bers) who have paid the fee receive great‐ er access to ADO training and resources.

Note: The ADO Elder Council reserves the right to determine Aspirant and Member access to training and resources on a case‐by‐case basis, according to the criteria described in the section on “Access”, and based upon their own spiritual guidance. Your choice to stay on as a member serves as your legal consent to abide by these terms and conditions, and signifies your acceptance of the Council’s authority to make such determinations on behalf of our spir‐ itual community. Please address any questions or concerns to the ADO Midwife (ado_admin@AvalonDruidOrder.org, subject line: ‘Attn. Midwife’). We will be happy to assist you.

New Editions of ADO study books. We are pleased to announce that at this time new editions of all six of our spiritual study and practice books have been released and copyrighted with the United States Copy‐ right Office. These new editions offer greatly expanded lessons and new and ex‐ citing approached to even difficult sub‐ jects, such as the Arcane Laws (which de‐ fine and regulate everything every aspect of magic, mysticism, and healing), Tradi‐ tional healing and star lore, and the keys to working with the Sacred Landscape. The exercises are clear, concise, easy to under‐ stand, and offer exciting and magical ways of exploring every aspect of the native Av‐ alonian worldview and spiritual practice— both for individuals and for circles and communities.

We hope that these new edi‐ tions will make our basic

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Foreign Branches of ADO. Also in 2012, the Council defined guidelines for establishing spiritually affiliated ADO branches abroad.

In order that these foreign ADO may enjoy as much autonomy as possible they shall be established with separate and independ‐ ent administration, governance and financ‐ es. However, as a condition for continuing to use the ADO name and/or logo, they must continue the same spiritual teachings and practices, and Traditional community structures, as are observed within the ADO, as well as continue to collaborate with us on mutually beneficial projects and cooperate on issues that have the poten‐ tial to impact the reputation and/or well being of the Order. Any oversight by the ADO will be limited to ensuring that these terms and conditions continue to be met.

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Non‐profit Status. ADO is currently a 501 (c)(3) religious non‐profit charity regis‐ tered in the United States. We continue to maintain our good standing, and therefore might be expected to keep our status as a religious charity indefinitely. However, for ethical reasons we are reconsidering the wisdom of doing so. Our chief concern is the danger of corporate mind‐sets and ‘values’ overwhelming and eventually sup‐ pressing Traditional Avalonian spiritual val‐ ues and community.

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Most of us spend most of our time immersed in mainstream

society and values. The influence of main‐ stream ‘dominator’ models already poses a

Sacred Year Observances (“Wheel of the Year‘’) Stations

Cycle Stations: Avalonian Faery Druids

Cycle Stations: Celtic Avalonian Sisterhoods

Mabon/Alban Elued

Tribes: Feast of Mabon & Modron

Druids: Sacred Centre Ceremonies

Wheel of the Year: Neopagans/druids Weaver’s Festival / The Sacrificed God

Community: Harvest Festival, Crone’s Feast Samhain/Calan Gaeaf

Tribes: Re‐emergence (Group Shadow)

Descent—(Personal Shad‐ ow)

Feast of the Dead

Tribes: Vigil / Mari Lywd Processionals

Rebirth of the God

Druids: Star Lore / Rekindling the Light

Druids: Descent (Personal Shadow) Community: Feast of Immortality *

Midwinter/ Alban Artuan (Yule)

Imbolc/Calan Mair

Community: Hearthfire Ceremonies, Feast of the Returning Sun Tribes: Resolution (Group Shadow) Druids: Confrontation (Personal Shadow)

Confrontation—(Personal Shadow)

Festival of Light / Lá Féile Bhríde

Community: Feast of the Midwife / Festival of Lights Tribes: Blessing the Fields Lady Day (Spring Equi‐ Druids: Starlore / Divination nox)/Alban Eiler Community: Awakening Processionals, (Ostara) Feast of the Bride Beltane/Calan Mai

Reunion of the God‐ dess and Her Consort

Re‐emergence—(Personal Shadow)

Fertility Festival / The Great Marriage

Tribes: Reaffirmation Ceremony (Group)

Flower & Fairy Festival

Druids: Offerings to Sovereignty (Personal)

Tribes: Descent (Group Shadow) Druids: Re‐Emergence (Personal Shadow)

Community: Feast of Remembrance * Midsummer/ Alban Heruin (Litha)

Lammas/Calan Awst (Lughnasadh)

Community: Feast of the Faery Host Tribes: Confrontation (Group Shadow) Druids: Resolution (Personal Shadow)

Resolution—(Personal Shadow)

Funeral Games of Lugh

Community: Feast of Brân Note: Though we have used the same terms for personal Shadow work in both Avalon columns, some Avalonian Faery Druids may use different terms more in keeping with their perception of the natural cycle (e.g. Penetration/Descent; Conception/ Confrontation; Labor/Re‐emergence; and Consummation/Resolution, ending with Rebirth/Integration). In either case, the intention of Cycle work remains the same.

* Some Avalonian Druids reverse these Feast dates in accordance with group needs.

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threat to reclaiming and maintaining any form of alternative beliefs or lifestyles. To permit these attitudes to ‘infiltrate’ the Order would be extremely damaging to the Order and to the Avalonian Tradition, and could jeopardise the future of this community. As the mainstream world be‐ comes more radically ‘corporate’ it may become increasingly difficult to maintain a workable balance between these incom‐ patible worldviews. One day soon, we may well find ourselves obliged to choose one or the other.

Forfeiting our 501(c)(3) might make some things more difficult, but our first responsi‐ bility remains to the integrity of the Tradi‐ tion, because therein resides our own spir‐ itual integrity and identity. Therefore, we must continue to reassess whether the integrity of our beliefs can be adequately safeguarded within an essentially corpo‐ rate structure, and if not, we must be pre‐ pared to forfeit our non‐profit status.

Such an assessment cannot be undertaken lightly. The membership will be consulted during assessments and, should the Coun‐ cil deem it necessary to ‘unincorporate’, notices will be published here, at our web‐ site, at the Forum “Announcements” board, and in other ADO Member publica‐ tions.

Annual Member Assembly. 1 On November 1, the ADO membership meet in the website chatroom for the annual meeting to review the State of the Order and hold elections for open offices. All Life‐ time Members in good stand‐ ing were eligible to vote and to nominate candidates.

Message from the Chief‐ tain Meliaska, formally Refthi‐Tiard , excerpt from the State of the Order 2012 Greetings to my Brothers and Sisters of the Order. Another year is ending with a new one beginning, There is an active learning circle in Canada facilitated by Sarah with Pamma, Jed, and Carla . The Order as been blessed with a new Pathwalker at the Annual Gathering, Meg Bluejay Pathwalker.

We have been strengthening our bonds and abilities with chats, Shared Dreams, and post‐ ing to the Forum. Our Founder Morgaine, has gifted us with wonderful texts to guides us on our Path in ADO. I look forward to the upcom‐ ing year with great hope that the Order will continue to flourish. I hope that the next Gathering can be opened to allow family members to share in the experience of being with the Tribes. I believe that our Tribes will grow in numbers and abilities. May ADO pro‐ ceed in the new year with the blessings of the Deities and Ancestors. May the Spirits of Place bless our dwellings and support our gar‐ dens. May our Spirit Guides aid and protect us as we manifest our Dreams.

Hen ! Cuk (G. F. Bergman, Jr), Myrddin [Member of the ADO Elder Council, Advisor to the Band of Guardians ], excerpt from the State of the Order 2012

I, Hen !’ Cuk, am honored to share some thoughts with you in this State of the Order

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Report. It is with great pride that I have observed and participated in the growth of ADO this past year. Many of the members have shown great generosity with their time and talents toward making the progress we have experi‐ enced. There is a more cohesive and enthusi‐ astic presence at the Forum and in the Chat Lessons, and the Fall Gathering was both well attended and participation was especially en‐ thusiastic. I am grateful for all the support ADO and I have received in the past and espe‐ cially this past year.

In my roles as Elder Dreamer, Mem‐ ber of the Elder Council, Advisor to the Band of Guardians and as a Mer‐ lin (Messenger) for ADO to the out‐ side world I have experienced an awareness of a change in the ener‐ gies that are present. There is a sense of our organization being received with more re‐ spect from outside individuals and organiza‐ tions and that I believe is due to the revitaliza‐ tion of our efforts to work with the Land and our Deities more consistently to effect posi‐ tive change in this world. Our Novice Pathwalkers, Dreamers and Singer have shown diligence in their duties and consistent effort toward mastering their skill sets thus providing positive examples for our Aspirants and Tribes Members.

I still see the potential for ADO developing a tighter community in the future as we be‐ come even more cohesive as Tribes and come together to support each other and our fami‐

lies as the world deals with the Earth Chang‐ es/Climate Change issues. Some of our Sisters have begun to study Survival and Neolithic/ Paleolithic Stone Age and Bronze Age skills and I hope will be sharing these with us at fu‐ ture Tribes Gatherings I look forward to being here to provide guid‐ ance and support as each of you grow and mature in ADO.

Member & Guest Submissions [Note from the Editors: Selection are from vari‐ ous contributors on whom Avalon continues to exert a profound influence, informing the course of their spiritual lives. Some of these contributors are guests to our community.

Guest articles help us to understand each other, and provide insight on views and practices held by other Avalonians and Druids that may be very different from our own. This broader perspective also supports seek‐ ers in making more informed decisions about their own spir‐ itual journeys.

As you enjoy this flowering of Avalonian/Druid creativity, please remember that the views and practices of guest con‐ tributors do not necessarily reflect or represent official ADO teachings or policies.]

Ogham I was first introduce to Ogham by the work of Robert Graves , author of The White Goddess.

Robert Graves took up a speculation that the trees that fought in the battle correspond to the Ogham alphabet, in which each character is associated with a particular tree. Each tree had a mean‐ ing and significance of its own, and Gwydion guessed Bran's name by the alder

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branch Bran carried, the alder being one of Bran's prime symbols. Graves argued that the original poet had concealed druidic secrets about an older matriarchal Celtic religion for fear of cen‐ sure from Christian authori‐ ties. He suggested that Arawn and Bran were names for the same underworld god and that the battle was probably not physical but ra‐ ther a struggle of wits and scholarship: Gwydi‐ on's forces could only be defeated if the name of his companion, Lady Achren ("Trees"), was guessed and Arawn's host only if Bran's name was guessed.

Graves accepted that the poem is a compo‐ site of several different sections, among which he named a Hanes Taliesin (History of Taliesin) and a Hanes Blodeuwedd (History of Blodeuwedd). (from Wikipedia Cad Goddeu entry). Surely you recognize name from our own tradition thus I think Robert Graves ap‐ proach may have merit and is worth investi‐ gating. Making association between deity and tree and the corresponding Ogham symbol also greatly improve the chance of remember‐ ing the information one uncovers. The White Goddess is not an easy read but it is a very in‐ teresting one.

Another way, or a complementary one, to look at ogham is by examining the tree, the real one that are around us. Where they grow, how they look, what kinds of animals fre‐ quent them. A good way to start a more prac‐ tical approach is to look up the Celtic Tree Mysteries from Steve Blamires. It is a treasure of information from the botanical to the men‐ tal and spiritual side of each ogham or trees.

After reading Blamires book I set a task upon myself: to

collect a twig from each trees, put the ogham sign on it and learn from the tree itself. So far I have collected 7 of them, you can see on the picture. For those I have yet to find I use coffee stick. As I tend to bury my‐ self in book and live in my head always thinking about this or that, I find the Ogham appealing to both the intellect and also to the need of physical doing. Going out to meet the tree, collecting the twig, inscribing the symbol and then manipulating them as you learn really help the knowledge to sink.

I hope you have now a desire to go out and talk to our brothers trees!

Until next time.

[Caroline,2013]

Bees Deep in the earth, the Bee Queen awaits daylight:

Her daughters peer from the honeyed gates, affrighted By the vast, silent white.

[M.Bergman,2010]

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ADO Now Has Aspirants & Members in: S. California, SE. Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Pennsylvania*, Tennessee, SW. Virginia, Quebec Canada Ontario Canada * Aspirants or Members are seasonal residents.

Consider this map carefully: Do you live within commuting distance of one of these areas? Are you considering joining? N o w i s t h e t i m e . Opportunity waits for no one. People move on. Circumstances change. Don’t let opportunity pass you by: S S

S S

Learn to walk in your ancestors’ footsteps; Discover for yourself the difference a powerful Spiritual Tradition can make in your life. Visit our website: http://www.AvalonDruidOrder.org; Send us an email (ado_admin@avalondruidorder.org) with your questions; or Post a message to the public area of our Forum (http://adoadmin.proboards.com/index.cgi) and meet members of our community.

We look forward to meeting you!

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Nominations for Elected Officers Each 1 November the ADO holds a Members Assembly to review the state of the Order and resolve issues relating to its operation, including introducing new appointees and voting to fill vacancies. Nominations are announced as far in advance as possible to allow new members time to acquaint themselves with nominees and make informed decisions when voting. This November we will be voting for candidates to fill the follow‐ ing positions: Position. Chieftain : Chief executive officer of the order. Shall exercise general supervision of all activities of the order. Perform any duties assigned by the Band of Guardians.

Description. (Terms: 3 years) S

S

Member of the Band of Guard‐ ians.

Serves as a ‘trustee’ or ‘board member’ for the Order on the BoG, which is involved in making decisions with regard to fiscal policies, fundraising, and maintenance of any physical property the Order might acquire. Nominees must be members in good standing and make substantial contributions to the quality of life in our community through active, regu‐ lar participation, have successfully complet‐ ed all required training, and demonstrate a thorough, working knowledge of our Tradi‐ tion and customs through 3+ years of ser‐ vice to the Order. (Term: 3 years) Position. Position description.

Description.

The Band of Guardians will be announcing this year’s open‐ ings and nominees by posting

to the ‘Vacancies’ thread at the ADO Member Forum.

Special Features Not every issue of Messenger of the Gods includes Special Features, but this one does! These short articles by Core Members are intended to provide last minute updates to members on issues of importance, and clarification to all and sundry on matters arising outside of the Order, but which require urgent answer, clarification or remedy. Please take time to review this information and address any questions, comments, or complaints to the ADO Midwife at ado_admin@avalondruidorder.org.

Ownership of ‘Avalonian Tradition’. It has come to our attention that certain Avalonian mentors and groups now claim to ‘own’ the terms ‘Avalon Mystery Tradition’, ‘Avalonian Tradition’, and ‘Avalonian Mysteries’, while at the same time conceding that they are not the only Avalonian groups or mentors in the world. It is difficult to imagine how the rest of us are meant to identify ourselves, if we are barred from using common English words to describe what we do. Such tactics are used in business to create and protect monopolies by eliminating fair competition (e.g. the AMA/FDA’s legislation of alternative healing terminology); however, we do not believe that any person or group has the right to claim ownership of a tradi‐ tion, because a tradition is much more than a single person, organisation, culture, or body of work.

For example, the ADO fits every definition of ‘tradition’ listed in standard collegiate dictionar‐ ies of the English language; therefore, we are a tradition. As we are also Avalonians, we are an Avalonian tradition. In making this claim, we intend no challenge to others’ rights, nor should any formal affiliation with other groups using

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this term be inferred, except insofar as we all draw our ma‐ terial from a common well‐ spring: Avalon’s oral tradi‐ tion, myths, folklore/ traditions/customs, cultures, sacred land‐ scapes, art, and literature. Beyond our chosen sources, we remain separate entities. Nor do we relinquish any rights over the resource ma‐ terials we have created. To say that we are an Avalonian tradition is a simple statement of fact, but in our view all Avalonians are part of one Greater Avalonian Tradition. We have al‐ ways capitalized the initial ‘T’ to distinguish Av‐ alonian from non‐Avalonian spiritual paths, and spiritual from non‐spiritual traditions, and not in an attempt to steal anyone else’s fire.

We recognise that ours is not the only Avalo‐ nian group and that the ideas upon which our tradition is founded are not our exclusive prop‐ erty—but nor are they anyone else’s. The well‐ spring belongs to all seekers of the Holy Isle.

Only what we create is ‘ours’, and this cannot include what we inherited from those who have gone before us. The ancestors, myths, cultures, customs, art, landscapes, monuments, and artefacts that are associated with Avalon in legend, myth, literature and lore are our com‐ mon legacy—they belong to us all, just as do the languages we speak.

It is especially troubling to be compelled to make such an argument when the world is so clearly in need of our support. In our view, eve‐ ry Avalonian group and mentor has a vital role to play at this time. Rather than striving against one another, we should be coming to‐ gether to support our planet and the life it sup‐ ports in all its diversity.

We believe that we are being offered an op‐ portunity to break the ancestral soul debts that

bind us, and which have their roots in distrust, ego, control issues, old wounds, and competi‐ tiveness by working together for the greater good—not under the auspices (or for the glory) of any one mentor or group, but as allies whose wisdoms and ways are drawn from the same sacred ancestors, lands, and wellsprings. If we fail in this, we repeat the mistakes and com‐ pound the soul debts of the ancestors—and fail again to identify our common challenge, allow‐ ing ourselves to be torn apart at exactly the time when the world most needs us to work together.

It is time to heal old wounds and lay aside old disagreements to meet in council around one hearth fire and explore how we may best help and support each other and the planet. It is past time to stop competing for ownership of something that cannot be ‘owned’, and start celebrating each other’s achievements as sis‐ ters and brothers who share the same spiritual ancestral inheritance, even if we each work with that inheritance differently.

ADO is not interested in competing with oth‐ ers; we are interested in becoming the Druid priest/esses we were born to be, in fulfilling the soul purposes with which we came into this life, and in collaborating on work intended for the highest good of our species and planet. We are especially interested in collaborating with other Avalonians—provided we can do so in ways that are empowering for all concerned.

The ADO is always open to dialogues with those interested in collaborating as peers to achieve these goals—a true ‘round table’ of different, unaffiliated Avaloni‐ an mentors and groups, gath‐ ered in service to Avalon and the planet, rather than for self‐ promotion or glory, is some‐

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thing that is much needed at this time. It may be that no mentor or group can lead such an effort, for as soon as someone leads equality is lost.

It comes to me that perhaps we should do as the ancestors did of old, and take it in turn to host these round tables on a regular rotation (first in the Isles, which have preserved Ava‐ lon’s earliest lore, then Western Europe, home of the later literature, and finally the New World, wherein the present challenge lies), and in each place the largest groups hosting, and the event announced in the manner most likely to be discovered by other Avalonians, and let those with a mind and heart to answer the call come and find welcome. The rotation would be set by Tradition, every three years in times of crisis and longer in tranquil times. Thus would we all gather to share news and do the Lady’s work.

These are my dreams. I cannot speak for others, but perhaps if the dream is shared my words will prompt a positive response; then might our dreams come into waking action. I do believe that were this dream to manifest, the power of our combined efforts would awaken a slumbering power with strength to restore balance to our world. On this hope I shall set my sights, and not on the shadows cast in days now fading to twilight.

—MVLB

Heaven's Darker Face

Most people imagine heaven As white, and pure, and full of benign angels; They forget that devils are just angels In the dark. Most people think

Mystics are pure and silent And calm as frescoed ruins; They forget that not all Mystics Are Eastern or Christian. Some

Are wild and sharp as nettle, dreadful And unfathomable as any deity; And a few are as shy as the dark little people Of Faery. Most people see myth

As a fancy name for fiction or as History, lost in a morass; the petty concerns Of people lost in a blur of ego Or self‐delusion.

But myth is eternal precisely Because it garbs Truth in mortal threads; An evolving story that never Ends or changes, really.

Leader and follower, what has either To offer but a space to be filled by you Or another; each dwells alone In his own dark heaven

Wherein he envisions ever brighter Sweeter paths to his own damnation.

M. Bergman, 2011

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Canadian ADO Learning Circles Forming!

Ontario

Sarah, ADO Pathwalker

About the Circle Founders Sarah and Caroline are Core members, respected and much-loved within our spiritual community. Over the past decade, they have been dedicated and active participants in the ADO, and have shown themselves to be exemplary Tribes members, astute Novices, true friends, and skilled mentors who promote excellence and enthusiasm in those they tutor. We are proud to have them represent the Order to new members.

Caroline, ADO Dreamer

The Order is pleased to announce two new Learning Circles; ‘seed groves’ serving Aspirants en route to Lifetime Membership. Learning Circles are the ideal place to explore life in the Order while completing ones initial studies. Learning Circle membership opens for one month twice a year, beginning 1 November and 1 May. Places are limited.

S Learn directly from Core ADO Members Experience traditional Druid spiritual community S Rediscover the native path of our Western European ancestors S Remember your forebears and honour your roots SBecome the person you were born to be S

Some opportunities are like doorways, ever open until the moment the door shuts.

Don’t let the door close on you. Learn more about our membership requirements by visiting the ADO website (www.avalondruidorder.org), then contact us to arrange a meeting by writing: ado_admin@avalondruidorder.org We look forward to meeting you!

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Avalon Druid Order (ADO) PO Box 62151, Ft Myers, FL 33906 ado_admin@avalondruidorder.org

Dr idr for a New Age

About the Holy Thorn

In Druid lore, the Hawthorn is a giant, and father of the Flower Bride Olwen, who must be overcome by the Mabon who comes to court her. The tree belongs to the Fae, and was planted at many sacred sites for its purifying and protective value. The tree pictured above is said to have sprouted there from Joseph of Arimathea’s staff, when he struck it into the ground of the hallowed hill known in Avalon as ‘Fisher Hill’; the home of the Fisher King who keeps watch over the Wasteland in later Arthurian myths. It was located in the constellation Pisces, in the Glastonbury Zodiac, and was called the Holy Thorn.

Several years ago during the Christmas season the tree was viciously attacked. Despite the fact that the crown and all the branches had been hacked off, it began to grow again— and again it was assaulted. It did not survive the second attack. The culprits were never found, and their motive remains unknown. However, if their intention was to destroy what the tree symbolised, they have failed. Cuttings taken from the original Holy Thorn before it perished have been successfully started, and so the tree’s descendants will survive to carry its memory forward into a New Age.

(Graphic based on an original photo by an unknown artist. )

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