ADF Dedicant Program
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Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in
ADF Dedicants' LiveJournal:
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| Saturday, March 31st, 2012 | 8:55 am
[jb_dedicant] |
Intro
Hi, all. I am pursuing the DP in earnest. I am planning further study beyond the DP when the time comes. I live along the Pennsylvania/Maryland border and there is even talk of forming a grove in my area. It seems like the gods pushed me back onto the path just at the right time. I currently follow Norse and Hellenic deities, but am open to anything Indo-European. Cheers. | | Saturday, January 21st, 2012 | 2:19 pm
[owl_hawk]
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requirement 2 essay
Well I finished the essay for requirement number 2, but I'm not sure if it meets the marking requirements. Anyone willing to give me an opinion? It's posted to my blog. Thank you in advance. | | Monday, January 16th, 2012 | 10:43 am
[owl_hawk]
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virtues essay
I've finally got my virtues essay complete. Any feedback on it would be welcome. Thanks in advance. | | Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 | 2:44 pm
[asta_river]
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Confusion, confusion....
Hello everyone! I just started the DP in August. And I figure I need to get used to asking questions, so here is my first one. I have been having a very very hard time, remembering thoughts that arise in ritual. Some of these thoughts I know I should be able to remember and ponder more after ritual too, but I never make it that far. I have been brainstorming ways to sort of 'take notes', but I've been getting nowhere. I think using a tape recorder my be a problem. I think it would be pretty awkward to finish a prayer or something and just blurt out a random thought. Other ideas I had were, writing them down, and meditating on them. My problem is I don't want to interrupt the flow or energy of the rite. Any ideas, or comments? I am going to pick one method for the next 2 rituals and see how that works, till I find something that I can use consistently. Another thought is maybe this is just something that comes with practice. Does whether or not I remember such thoughts even matter when I am just starting out? I appreciate any advice. Have a great Yule everybody. -A.R. Current Mood:  confused | | Thursday, December 8th, 2011 | 1:59 pm
[riveratnight]
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Book club?
I feel kind of weird posting this, since I tend to lurk, well, everywhere. But I was wondering if any of you would be interested in having a sort of "book club" over here? I imagine we'd mostly focus on the reading for the DP; maybe do a book (or a choice between a couple of books) each month, and have a discussion post for it? Sorry if I'm stepping on toes with this post! | | Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 | 1:54 am
[nadon]
 |
In search of the book review
Did/does anyone else find J. P. Mallory's In Search of the Indo-Europeans hard to pay attention to? The hard to pronounce place names are really making it a slow read for me. I'm on page 73 or so, and just wondering if it gets better as the text goes on? I like the little examples comparing translations of texts, but I'm not so fond of flipping back and forth referencing the maps as I go. I keep forgetting where things are relative to each other. I find that the actual content of the work is lacking, and he keeps talking about theories that he disagrees with without presenting anything he does like. Am I missing something? | | Wednesday, April 13th, 2011 | 5:38 am
[nadon]
|
Intro
Hi folks, I'm Jacki. I've been working on the Dedicant Program on and off for over 2 years now. I've connected with Dancing Lights grove, but haven't been attending regularly. I celebrate the high days in ADF style these days, though I didn't always. I've been a solitary pagan since the late 90s. I've been eclectic mostly because I've had trouble finding a path or group that fits well with my beliefs and personality. ADF has been the closest thing to a system that makes sense for me. I like that it has a strong learning component and a focus on the internal life and the three kindreds. I am trying to motivate myself to work on the DP regularly so I've joined this list to schmooze with others on the path. Nice to meet you all! | | Tuesday, April 5th, 2011 | 5:43 pm
[kelledia]
 |
| | Thursday, March 31st, 2011 | 5:49 pm
[kelledia]
|
Dedicant Essays
Hi to everyone! My name is Aisling Kelledia and I wondered if I could get some feedback on my Kindred Three essays, which are posted over on Blogger? I've just come through major illness and surgery, yet afterwords was able to give voice to so much that previously, wouldn't come through. This is something which I ascribe completely to the workings of the Gods and my gratitude to Them is more than profound. Thanks for your time and beannachtai to all! homeshrine.blogspot.com/2010/09/kindred-three-essays-on-nature-of.html | | Monday, March 28th, 2011 | 9:51 pm
[ash_lake]
 |
Interesting Happenstance
I've been quite busy lately with school and life. My oldest brother came for a visit the Thursday before the quake and Tsunami in Japan leaving his family and not even month old son behind in Japan. His family, my family were fortunate enough to be so far south that they were entirely unaffected directly by either disaster. This is an enormous blessing for which I will always be grateful. So, suffice to say I've been a bit distracted lately. In fact, I completely missed taking the time for any ritual or observance on the equinox. As a result I've been trying to think of things I can do to further my path (I'm also in the midst of several projects and finals for school). To that end I started to examine and evaluate where and how I might set up my shrine and with what objects I had on hand. I reviewed this article www.adf.org/members/training/dp/articles/home-shrine-create.html on the ADF site and was amused to realize that I have a perfect item for the tree.
The article states, "[i]t can be as simple as a stick, or a miniature living tree (like the tiny rosemary Yule trees found in most garden centers in December), or as elaborate as a jeweled and gold-leaf tree or a brass or metal-worked tree of life." I realized that I have a small brass tree made of wire with tiny leaves that will flutter when placed over a heater or other heat source.
I honestly don't recall if I bought it or my mother bought it but we got it at a garage sale years ago. It was bent, twisted and dusty. My mother spent a few hours one evening straightening and cleaning it before putting it on display. It never quite worked with the decor of whatever room it was placed in. Several times while cleaning the house of oddments etc to donate, and even after my mother's death in '06 from cancer (she was only 54) I thought about adding the little tree to the 'to go' pile. But I never did. I even had it in hand once and almost put it in the box but never quite got there.
While the tie between the tree and my mother and I is great what makes it a little bit more than coincidence in my mind is this; my mother was a strong Christian though I never was and certainly am not now, I missed seeing her before she passed, I was on my way home from my duty station in Japan and she passed while I was en route. I don't think she would be upset with me for leaving Christianity behind but I can't help but feel that this little tree is a bit of a balm for whatever lingering negativity or fear I may have regarding her feelings. Feelings she may not have even held as my oldest brother has lived a distinctly non-Christian (religious Buddhist) life for years and she supported him.
Suffice to say I will proudly and happily use my little brass tree for my shrine.
- Ash | | Monday, March 21st, 2011 | 5:41 pm
[owl_hawk]
|
Hello
Hi, I'm Owlhawk and am slowly making my way through the DP. I'm still figuring Livejournal out and am really not sure about it. I've posted a couple of Ritual write ups to my page if you would like to take a look. I've been involved in Paganism as a solitary since the early 90's and was drawn to ADF as a way for me to join in the community more and still be solitary. | | Thursday, February 24th, 2011 | 10:16 am
[arlendomhnaill] |
| | Saturday, February 5th, 2011 | 8:22 pm
[ash_lake]
|
Noob Intro :)
Hello all, my name is Ash. I am in my late twenties. I live outside Seattle and am a full time student working toward a B.S. in Environmental Policy and Management (still debating going on for a Master's) from Kaplan online. I'm a USAF vet and have had a few unorthodox jobs - funeral home receptionist, toy stocker, landscaper, industrial laundry, F-16 crewchief etc. I'm also a partner in a comic book publishing company - we focus on creator owned books and insure that all creators retain full ownership of their property, a rare caveat as organizations like the CBLDF can attest to (Comic Book Legal Defense Fund). I am looking forward to interacting with you fine folks during the next year's work :) | | Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 | 1:26 pm
[teobishop]
 |
A Question For All Dedicants: Integration
My last post, Turning Over A Good Omen, received a thoughtful and sincere comment from Grey Wren, a blogger and new friend whose DP work I’ve enjoyed reading. (Pay her site a visit. She’s delightful.) Her words are on my mind this afternoon, and I’d like to share them with you. She wrote: I could use a little Princess of Wands blessing in my own creative work today. It’s one of *those* days. I’ve been so wrapped up in discussing my personal struggles with the Kindred that I’ve neglected my professional struggles.
I’m writing this post from work, which may have something to do with why her words are resonating for me! But this theme has surfaced in other places, too. In a mailing list thread that’s been steadily growing over the past week, one ADF member, Karen, joined the dozen-ish other members in who responded to the question, “What were or are your hurdles with the Dedicant Program”. She wrote:
I’m finding my biggest hurdle is remaining constant in my studies and practices through the ebbs and flows of my mundane life.
Karen and Grey Wren are not alone. I think many of us feel this way, whether we’re working our way through a structured program, like the Dedicant Path, or building a spiritual discipline from scratch. I pose this question to all of you reading this post: How do you integrate your spiritual practice into your ordinary life? What tips could you give someone who is struggling with this challenge? | | Monday, January 3rd, 2011 | 11:29 am
[teobishop]
|
To Be Seven Again
UPDATE 1/4/11
After speaking with my husband, the one personal who knows intimately what I can and cannot juggle, I’ve decided to remove my name from the ballot. Childlike excitement aside, this position should be filled by someone who knows that they can commit the time, and I can’t do that. I can offer my enthusiasm now, and I have the heart for it, but I’d do all of ADF a disservice if I took the position and then was unable to fulfill my duties. It would be better for me to continue, to the best of my ability, to reach out in a spirit of fellowship to other ADF members, and leave the responsibility of coordinating them to someone with a more reliable schedule.This morning I volunteered to be nominated for the position of Coordinator of the ADF SolSIG, or Solitary Special Interest Group. A week ago, when members of the Solitary SIG were approached about the position opening, I reluctantly passed. A part of me, the eternal seven year old, wanted to say “YES, YES! Pick me! Pick me! I can do it! Let me show you!” But, the grownup won out. November through January are typically lighter months for me. I do more reading, more writing; I retreat inward and experience an expansion in my esoteric studies, my spiritual life. As the Wheel turns and the air gets warmer, so speeds up the pace of my profession. I’m never really sure how busy I will be, or how much time I’ll have from February on. The seven year old in me doesn’t think about these sorts of things. He only wants to make friends, be his best, be loved. But then the e-mail came this morning, and I saw that there was still a need for nominees. I changed my mind. I told the Solitary SIG that I would submit my name for the ballot. Why, if I’m trying to be a grownup, trying to take on only what I think I can handle, would I do such a thing? Simple. I find evidence of The Kindred in the lives of my fellow human beings. Through others, I see myself, and I remember that I am connected to them, they to me, and us to the Cosmos. I love people, and I long for everyone’s spirit to expand in their lives. They deserve it, and I would like to help in whatever way I can. So, my name is on the ballot. I don’t know if I will be chosen to serve, but if I am I hope to bring this spirit of love and fellowship to the position. I will stand in service to my fellow seekers, and to The Kindred, if it be their collective will for me to do so. | | Friday, December 31st, 2010 | 9:52 am
[teobishop]
|
New Word: Drubie
Yesterday I was speaking with an old friend about Druidry, telling him about ADF and the Dedicant Path. He and I have always had a deep spiritual connection, and it felt good to catch him up on all of the inspired work I'm doing. When I talk, especially to people I'm close with, I ramble. It is during said ramblings that I often stumble upon insights about myself, my beliefs, or my overall worldview. When the self-censoring part of my brain shuts down, the creative part opens up, and all sorts of interesting things fall out of my mouth. Point in fact: Drubie. I am a Drubie, as in, New Druid, or New to the Druid Path. Drubie. Fun, right? The word is light-hearted, and when I say it out loud it reminds me that while spiritual work deserves my dedication, focus and sincerity, I have to remember not to take everything too seriously. Irreverence is good seasoning, and you wouldn't want your food to start getting bland. Would you? So, here's to all you other Drubies out there! May your spiritual meals have a little kick in 'em. (Originally posted on Bishop In The Grove, my self-hosted Wordpress blog) | | Wednesday, December 29th, 2010 | 6:25 pm
[teobishop]
|
Daily Devotionals: Getting off the page
For the past three days I’ve started my morning with a daily devotional. My altar, in place since before I joined ADF, is even more active and vibrant now. There are four fires burning upon it as I write this, and the fragrance of Frankincense still permeates the still, sanctified air. I’m reminded of what Church felt like at it’s best. That is what I have re-created in my little room. My husband gave me a copy – a rather difficult one to find, I might add – of Skip Ellison’s book, Solitary Druid. The book is proving to be a very useful resource in these first few weeks of my work on the Dedicant Path. Early on in the book, in Chapter 4 (Living the Life of a Solitary Druid), Skip shares the inner workings of his daily ritual, including how he approaches the Gatekeeper, Mannanán mac Lir, how he gives respect to the Three Kindred, and how he makes offerings and requests to each of them. I followed the ritual rather closely on the first day, making only a few substitutions. While I have respect for Mannanán mac Lir, and I acknowledge that he is a great force in the Spirit World – primordial, even – I feel called to reach out to Arawn, the Welsh God of the Otherlands. Arawn payed me visit in a dream earlier this year, an experience that shook me to my core, and I now believe that he was initiating a relationship with me. So, it is He that I call on to open the Gates. I also substituted olive oil for the whiskey Skip suggested as a favorite offering to the Shining Ones. We have none such spirits in our cabinets. Reading a ritual off a page is awkward. The words are missing the fire of inspiration, at least that’s how it felt to me on my first and second day of my morning devotional. Today, I made a change. I prepared my offerings to the Kindred, as well as all of the other materials I use in the ritual (matches, fresh candles). With the book closed and my mind centered, I approached my altar. I spoke from my heart, reaching out to Arawn, transforming my candle in to a Sacred Fire, my copper chalice into a Sacred Well, and my wand into the Sacred Tree. I called on the three Kindred with more sincerity than I ever had before, speaking to them without pretense. My requests were made with kindness, and my offerings with true gratitude. When I made my offering to Brighid, I felt immediate reciprocity; a warm energy surrounded me, and the calm feeling of creative light permeated the room. I sat down and wrote, effortlessly. Today’s experience was a blessing; a much needed sign that I do not walk alone on this path. There are spiritual forces at work in my life, and they are conspiring with me an abundance of good things. (Originally posted on Bishop In The Grove, my self-hosted Wordpress blog) | | Monday, October 25th, 2010 | 8:58 pm
[flyin_ailyn]
 |
Abstract/Nameless Deities
I was wondering how abstract/nameless/title only type deities were viewed within the ADF community? Take for instance, the Horned God. Some call this deity Herne or Cernunnos, but we don't necessarily have a a more pan-Celtic name for this deity (I'm referring to the deity inspired by the Gundestrap Cauldron), unlike Bride/Brighid/Brigantia. Or perhaps the Green Man in England? Is it considered acceptable to refer to deities only by title or definition, accepting them as a Nameless (or at least unrevealed name) God, and invoking them as such? Say, I want to call upon the Gatekeeper; I don't want to "assign" a deity to the duty, so why not call upon a God whose duty this is, not by name, but by that duty or title? Is this an acceptable practice? | | Tuesday, October 12th, 2010 | 12:24 pm
[flyin_ailyn]
|
Two Powers MP3 on the ADF Site?
Browsing around on ADF.org earlier, I found a link for a MP3 of the Two Powers Meditation. Clicked on it, and it just took me to a black page, no error or anything, just black. So if the MP3 is down, how is everyone doing that meditation? I ended up recording myself and converting it to MP3, but its only about 6 minutes long. Any other thoughts? | | Thursday, July 29th, 2010 | 10:10 am
[kairamoon]
 |
Hello!
Hello! My name's Glenda. I am new to ADF and to the DP. I am incredibly shy, so posting here is a little daunting. But, this community seems awesome so I figured I'd stop by and say Hi! |
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