I agree, as druids, we must do better than what I have seen as "business as usual."  Locally, it has been my experience that most of the pagan community are caught up in their adolescent rebellion, and while many of them have qualities and gifts that could really be of benefit to the community as a whole, they choose to remain insular and involve themselves in little more than pumping up their own egos, or waging "witch wars" on someone else in the community.  I have never been able to relate to the local Pagan community for this reason.  I don't want drama...I have worked long and hard to distance myself from this type of thing.  I would much rather put my energy to use building something positive than trying to tear something or someone else down.  I choose not to do that any longer.

I think that we need to recognize the fact that we are all different, and called to different paths.  We have an abundance of talented individuals in the House of Danu (or otherwise associated with us) who have been called to bardic pursuits -- for them, this is their spiritual path.  But for some of us, while we may enjoy the bardic arts, it is not our calling, and we must also accommodate those who are still seeking to manifest their spirituality in a different way. 

I would like to see options available at the next Gorsedd, not just geared towards the bardic arts, but also open forums for people to express what is important to them on an individual basis.  We didn't really get that opportunity at the last Gorsedd.  All the scheduled meetings and discussions -- aside from our guest speakers -- were pre-determined.  We have the opportunity to do something different.

But as for these forums, I think there are a number of people who cannot access them.  And many of those who can, don't...as you indicated, Brian.  Our alleged new website was supposed to correct the issues involving access, but we have not had an update on that for some time now.

In light of the way things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if the House of Danu divides into at least two factions...those who enjoy the public spotlight and enjoy putting on the "show"...and those who are more introverted and who wish to focus on other aspects of our druidry, including the topics you and JP have proposed.  The problem is, we don't really have enough people committed to either of these interests to make the road easy for any of us.  Also in view of the lack of progress made towards this upcoming Gorsedd (we are much, much farther behind in everything than we were last year at this time)...I am thinking that taking the topic of Making a Druid Community elsewhere may in fact be what we need to do.  Perhaps the House of Danu will only remain functional as that place to connect with other individuals who are called to various actions.  Perhaps we set -- I set -- my vision for what the House of Danu could become too high.  It isn't that I think the goal is unattainable...but perhaps it is meant to be realized through another means.

I will sign!!  Where do I sign?!

This is very encouraging and inspiring, JP.  I wish that everyone here were as committed to the cause.

GG

Your vision of a druid community is much like ours!  I think that a lot of people are waking up to the need for community, since individualism has been stressed for so long in this country.

As in all things, the ideal is a good balance between the two -- recognizing and respecting that the point of balance is different for everyone.  Some people need more togetherness, while others need more solitude.

So...when do we start putting up the walls?! 

Hey there!  If I was one that you sent an email to, then I haven't received it.  At least I don't think I have...could be my spam filter ate it before it got to me.

If I wasn't one of the ones you emailed, then please disregard my post!   

Jen

Whoa.

It was very nice to meet you too Mario, and all the new friends I made. 

As for coming down to the "normal" world...may you never quite do so again.   

GG

The Fresno-based seed group of Llwyn Swynedig will be holding a public Earth Healing Ceremony in honor of Earth Day on Saturday, April 25.  The ceremony will be open to the public.

For more information contact garangwyn@yahoo.com.

GG
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Hi Dave,

Llwyn Swynedig is still kicking it around.  We will be bringing something though.  I'll let you know when I have a better idea of what the rest want to do.

Jen

Oops!   

I agree totally.  ADF was a bit too liturgical and is a little to rigid for my taste, but I thought Bonewits had some excellent ideas and made some good points.  Being ritually-challenged (I've only been to two or three rituals outside of the bumbling efforts of my own seed group)...I found that the lecture helped me verbalize a number of things I felt was lacking but couldn't quite put my finger on.

The opening and closing, I think, should be standard, but perhaps to each grove or seed group.  It would be nice to go anywhere in California to visit an OBOD ceremony and know what is going on -- but if we basically use the same symbolism, I think that will happen.  I like the idea of each grove or seed group having their own personal version of a standard ritual.  Of course, the rite differs with every ceremony, as it should.  37 steps might be a bit over the top, but laying out a basic sequence in terms of what the opening and closing is supposed to accomplish -- in other words, some kind of outline -- might help the more left-brain dominant members be able to break away from a written script.  I hope.   

That's what I want -- the "how to" book!!  When do we start building?!

OMG!  You're right!  He IS wearing a hankie hat!!!  You must have been truly inspired when you suggested it...the force is strong in you, Obe Wan...

I think the stick is a sword...