Druid Chapter

• Introduction to Druidism -- Why do Druids have three elements instead of four (or five?) What do they do to protect themselves if they don't cast a circle? Were there female druids? And why on earth would you want a bile (pronounced 'bee-lay', not 'buyl') in your ritual space? All of these questions and more will be answered at the first class on Druidism. We will also be covering the elements of ritual so that you are (hopefully) not caught off guard in the coming weeks.
• Walking the Path -- 'As you come to the clearing, you see three paths branching out in front of you. Which will you take?' Druidism, and the proto-Indo-European culture that spawned it, divide life up into Three Functions. In this ritual, we will be exploring the different roles one can take in society, and how they form an interwoven whole.
• Divination for Public Ritual -- Most of us know how to examine the cards, the leaves, or our own meditative mind for the answers to the questions that bother us. But how do things change when you are asking a question for the entire group, instead of just yourself? This class will cover the elements of public divination, including some typical Druid methods as well as general information on how to adapt this useful technique to larger-scale rituals.
• Bardism -- The Celts were, and are, all about showmanship! Singing, dancing, or displaying prowess (artisitic or otherwise) were not just accepted, but encouraged. In this Sharing Our Spirits ritual, everyone is strongly encouraged to bring their willingness to try standing up and presenting their gifts for the group. Andrew and Caroline, both Gaia Community members with theater experience, will be leading this ritual together.
• The Song of Amergin -- 'I am the wind on the sea...I am the stag of seven tines...'
  Shape-shifting stretches back into the depths of time as a Celtic tradition; today's ritual will explore that concept as fully as possible. Whether you already have an alternate form (or several) you use from time to time, or are merely curious about 'how did they do that?', we will take you on an unforgettable journey.
• "Kiss an Oak" Day -- Due to SMUUCH's Ministerial Installation on this day at the same time as Gaia Community's usual meeting time, we have decided to change the schedule slightly; instead of meeting at SMUUCH at 4pm, you are on your own to go find a spot in nature to get to know. Find a deer, talk with a squirrel, hug a tree... whatever you can find to do to get yourself reinvolved with nature. Get together with oter Gaians if you wish to go hiking together, or just spend some time by yourself in communion. Come back next week for the big Samhuinn ritual!
• "Ar nDraiocht Samhuinn" -- Samhain, Samhuinn, Sauin...(but never SOM-HAIN), the very word conjures up pictures of jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, witches, and things that go *bump* in the night. This will be a costumed ritual, where you will be given the opportunity to dress as a favorite godden (god or goddess) or aspect of some power, in order to give praise offerings and honor to them and ask their blessing for the coming year in return. Start planning now what you will do for the start of the new year!
  As with all Sabbats, there will be a potluck meal following the ritual. Please bring enough to feed eight hungry people and remember to label your ingredients for those with dietary restrictions. Also, for the Earth's sake and in pursuit of our Green Sanctuary pledge, we ask that you not bring disposable dishes. There will be some few extra dishes for those who forget theirs; we could always use more to have in reserve, though!

This is a large organization of Indo-European Reconstructionist Paganism. They have high standards of scholarship and personal development. Founded by Isaac Bonewits to be an order of Recon Druids, they have expanded into not just Celtic, but also Norse, Hellenic, Slavic, and Vedic hearth cultures. They have specialty guilds for bards, seers, artists, etc., and are developing an intense clergy program. "Why not Excellence?"

• Despite the late season, many of the rituals will be held out of doors if possible. Please dress appropriately, as the weather could be anywhere from 30° to 70°. Check the weather forecast if need be. As always, if the weather that day is inclement, we will have another plan (either the Barn Chapel or the Sanctuary at SMMUCH).
• Praise offerings to the Kindreds are a large part of Druid ritual; if you have a song, poem, picture, handcraft or other artistic item you would like to present to the Shining Ones, the Beloved Dead, and/or the Nature Spirits, please bring them! There will be a place in each ritual for those who wish to offer up a gift; for the sake of timeliness however, we ask that the presentation of that gift be no longer than 3 minutes.
• Whisky or some other alcoholic beverage will be passed around during the libations portion of the ritual; another non-alcoholic drink will be provided as well for those who do not wish to partake; it will be explained in each ritual which is in which container.

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