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The Branches
The grades in ACOD
Introduction
Druidry as we use the word today is an umbrella term which incorporates several esoteric paths or branches that utilize Celtic Spirituality as their wellspring of inspiration. We liken it to a tree with many branches.
The first branch is that of the Bard, who works with words: poetry, music, drama, songs & story telling.
Another branch is the Celtic Shaman Ğ a healer who may utilize herbalism, tree or Bach Flower essences, shamanic journey work, or the many forms of divination i.e. Runes or the Irish Ogham. The Celtic Shaman is also traveler of the spirit realms, caller of power animals & guardian of the knowledge & psychology behind the Celtic Medicine Wheel.
On the Wizard branch are the Druid-Tutors who may utilize some or all of the above into their teachings to help others activate and nurture their own individual power & creativity. A Druid-Priest may want to create ritual-drama to inspire others & activate transformation & change. He/she may also be working to create a tribe or community within their home area. A Druid-Warrior may be drawn to the study & perfection of martial arts, these individuals thrive in Celtic & medieval re-enactment groups or ecoĞactivism.
When you join ACOD and become a member, you have the opportunity to progress through the three grades. After completion of each grade you will receive a certificate of achievement.
Bardic Branch
The Bardic Branch (Apprenticeship)
Seekers are encouraged to experience the Bardic Branch first, as this is an ideal introductory level. Many people already have an interest or have practiced one of the paths below. If you have, you are already on track. At ACOD we will show you how to develop your 'Art' and to work through spirit, as you progress on the Bardic path.
- Learn a musical instrument e.g. drum
- Develop the story teller or the writer within
- Develop some skill in poetry
- Learn to sing or chant
- Become a craft person or artisan
To pursue an esoteric path it is necessary to develop your artistic nature & learn to look for spirit in your work. Most accomplished artists state they are inspired by some unknown 'force' that seems to come 'through' them - we call this power our 'craft guides'. These are some samples of the Bardic Branch activities, essentially we are developing your artistic nature.
Shamanic Branch
The Shamanic Branch
Many people who have developed their artistic natures over a period of time, eventually start to realize they are guided by spirit brothers or sisters or some other form of guide, perhaps even a totem animal guide.
In the Shamanic Branch we develop your spirit connection further. Some of the activities of the Shamanic Branch are:
- Working with tree spirits
- Learning to guide using a divinatory system: e.g. Ogham
- Specializing in a knowledge path e.g. Tree Lore
- Becoming skilled at a martial art
- Finding our power animal
- Shamanic drumming
- Shamanic journeying
- Working with Earth energies
- Working with human energies
- Learning herbals
- Learning to heal using one or several of the above techniques
These are some samples of the Shamanic Branch activities, essentially we are teaching students how to walk in the spirit world & develop the Shamanic healer within.
Wizard Branch
The Wizard Branch
Once seekers have developed their artistic nature (Bardic Branch) & learnt to walk in the spirit realms (Shamanic Branch), they may also be accomplished healers by now. But only then are they ready, should they choose, to enter the Wizard branch, for this is where Wizards & Druids exists.
On the Wizard branch are the Druid-Tutors who may utilize some or all of the above into their teachings to help others activate and nurture their own individual power & creativity. A Druid-Priest may want to create ritual-drama to inspire others & activate transformation & change. He/she may also be working to create a tribe or community within their home area. A Druid-Warrior may be drawn to the study & perfection of martial arts, these individuals thrive in Celtic & medieval re-enactment groups or ecoĞactivism.
It is necessary to go through the above process, for all these things help us to understand the essential nature of balance between the mundane world, the spirit world and the world of energy.
Before anyone starts to undertake magical work (Wizardry), they need to understand about this balance for in magical work it is even more important. The 'three fold law' & the 'law of force & reaction' are ever-present. If we 'force' an action we must be prepared for a 'reaction'.
In the School of Wizardry we also learn about Sacred Geometry, Geomancy, Earth acupuncture & the Art of Magic. We will be working with the 'force' of Law & Chaos and of Fire & Ice.
To enter the School of Wizardry seekers will have completed the Bardic Branch and the Shamanic Branch.
[About ACOD] [The Branches] [Workshops ] [Tutor Bio's]
[Correspondence Course] [Celtic Druid - Supplies ] [Links] [Home]
