thecaer.aokforums.com

A Druids Self-Dedication


An initiation is an inner experience. A ceremony such as this can only act as an aid or catalyst for this inner process. For this reason the right moment and attitude when performing this ceremony are vital. Only your Inner Self and Guides can tell whether the right moment has arrived. At any time you may also apply to receive the Initiation at a Grove meeting of the Order. The ceremony appears to be simple, but in its very simplicity lies its depth and its power. If you perform the ceremony, you perform it solely for yourself.

In the centre of a room or garden or forest grove where you can be assured of quiet and privacy, place a candle, and other things if you wish, such as flowers and incense. If outside you may light a small fire rather than a candle.

Enter from the West. Circling sunwise (clockwise), salute the North

(by raising the palm of your hand upward in salutation)

and say "May there be Peace in the North." Continuing sunwise, go to the South and say

"May there be Peace in the South."

Likewise to the West, then to the East. Turning to the centre, from the West, open both hands in a gesture of giving and salutation and say "May there be Peace throughout the whole world."


Recite the Druid Prayer:

Grant, O God / dess, thy Protection
And in protection, Strength
And in Strength, Understanding
And in Understanding, Knowledge
And in Knowledge, the Knowledge of Justice
And in the Knowledge of Justice, the Love of it
And in the love of it, the Love of all Existences
And in the love of all existences, the Love of God and all Goodness.

Move sunwise to the West, be seated there, facing East and the centre. Calm yourself and await the inner sense that you can proceed.

Imagine a wise and kindly Druid, male or female, facing you, speaking the following words:

(You may read them aloud softly if you wish)

Druid: See we lead you to the heart of the temple-tomb, to the heart of the Earth-Mother. (Pause. Now crouch in a kneeling or foetal position in the centre of your circle. Do not hurry. Ask each of the following questions slowly and allow the answer to arise from the depths of your being. Pay attention to whatever the answer is, even
if unexpected.)

Druid: Are you prepared to awaken from your sleep? (You answer)

Druid: Are you prepared to be fully born upon the earth? (You answer)

Druid: Will you accept the sufferings you will experience with life on earth? (You answer)

Druid: Will you accept the love and the joy you will experience with life on earth? (You answer. The pause)

Druid: Stand up, for now is the time ordained for your birth. Rise up, push away all that limits and holds you back! Be born into the world of time and space in order that you may experience the bliss of the Creation. (Rise up and stretch out your arms and legs and feel the joys
of freedom of movement for your body)

Druid: Welcome to the Fellowship of the Grove of the

Bards - the first of the Sacred Groves of the Order of

Bards, Ovates, and Druids. Here may your find support and inspiration, nourishment and joy!

You may then spend time in meditation, or you may wish to finish the ceremony.

When you feel ready to finish, visualize the world bathed in healing light. Say the prayer: "May the whole World be filled with Peace and Love and Light" three times.

Become aware of your physical body and surroundings. Stand and say the prayer: "May the blessing of the Uncreated One, of his Son/Daughter the Created Word and of the Spirit that as Inspirer be always with me. I declare the closing of this Initiation into the Bardic Grade. Awen." (Pronounced AAH-O'O-EN - The significance of this sacred word and `mantra' of the Druids will be discussed later.) Then extinguish the candle, and as you do so, visualize the Light spreading out across the Earth.


From: Brigid