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Naturally some of us love the winter; some of us find it exceptionally hard. The darkness can be a glorious embrace of quiet, calm and stillness, with an opportunity for long evenings of candlelight, hearth fires, and the intimacy of close family and 2008 friends, yet for others it is a desolate time without sufficient sunlight, when energy is low and the wider community is too quiet. One of the benefits of studying is the way in which its teachings guide us not to fight the seasons, but to ride their currents in peace. Celebrating the darkness, at Midwinter we start to bring more light into the house once more, honouring and acknowledging the turning of the solar tide. For most of us, nonetheless, the time just before Imbolc is one that drags. The longest, coldest hours of the night are those before dawn, and when we are sat up watching for the sun, our souls can shudder with doubts as to whether it will A flag flying over Loughborough Town Council, Dec '07 ever rise again. Waiting for the dawning of the new cycle can be as wearying. But when the first Interfaith snowdrops appear there is such wonder, such joy. The crocus leaves pushing up through concrete You may recall in the last newsletter one of our and paving is always awe-inspiring. We are still a members, Marianne Timms, was seeking long way from the first scents of spring, but in membership of her local SACRE (Standing these tiny signs we are reassured that life, warmth, Advisory Council on Religious Education). We're growth will indeed return. delighted to be able to tell you that her application If your address or contact For , we are also moving was accepted and she has been co-opted onto details have changed, please through a time, with great dreams, hopes, ideas for Warwickshire SACRE. Her first meeting is in let us know by updating your the new cycle, slowly, quietly making the first February and she of course attends with our details on The Druid Network steps towards manifesting these into practical wholehearted best wishes! site at http://druidnetwork.org action. With our ongoing work with the Charity Following just a little behind is Boar (Andrew), or by writing to the office at Commission, the Welsh , SACREs and who is now approaching his own local SACRE. the address below. perhaps our own TDN conference, there is much to Boar is currently completing his training to look forward to in the growing cycle of 2008. We become a secondary school RE teacher, and will The Druid Network wish you very many blessings for the new year. have all the skills necessary to bring Pagan insight Quarterly news is printed { Emma Restall Orr (Bobcat) into the curriculum. on 100 per cent recycled We're also aware of Pagan folk outside TDN paper. Office Manager who are making similar moves. We celebrate these I've been doing the job of Office Manager for TDN endeavours, which can only help to bring honour Do you need this publication for nearly two months now. It's been a challenging to and understanding of and Druidry, in an alternative format? but exciting time. I turn on my computer each and dispel the fears that mainstream folk often For more details, please email morning wondering what I'll face today! have. Updates on this important work will be [email protected]. So far I've spent a lot of time on the phone uploaded to the Interfaith pages of the TDN sorting problems, I've filed lots of paperwork and website. have learnt more about the ethics of printing than I On a similar note, we were tickled, um, green thought was possible! to see Loughborough Town Council fly a Druid I've found that most of the things that I PO Box 3533 flag over its town hall this winter solstice! The expected to be difficult, really weren't.The Whichford thrice encircled gold on green will be raised Network is a fantastic resource for people with Shipston on Stour there at solar festivals. Although some Druid folk questions. It's just finding the right person to ask! Warwickshire The role has brought me to meet a group of have reservations on this particular design, it is CV36 5YB dedicated and professional people who've shown certainly one more example of acceptance within England me, and people who have asked me for help, a society of our tradition and much to be welcomed. http://druidnetwork.org great deal of care and consideration. In the next Kudos go to Mark Graham, who as Chair of month or so I hope to bring some of the projects I Loughborough Council of Faiths has worked to TDNQ Editor: Dan Carpenter have started to a successful conclusion. achieve this success. [email protected] { Marianne Timms, Office Manager { Bish, Interfaith Web Coordinator Brynneth Colvin, Directory Coordinator Brynneth Colvin, Directory { We spent a while working out what the database needed out what the database working spent a while We David Orr, Web Manager ([email protected]) Manager Web David Orr, { This Autumn, David Orr suggested that I should consider Autumn, David This As some of the transferring the directory to a database. the to the point of being unwieldy, directory pages are large the web As the directory has grown, idea really appealed. to search page layout has become cumbersome and difficult through. the relevant all the long slog of moving to do, then followed as information around. Currently the directory still exists searchable as a will soon be available web pages, but it will make database - a transition which I am confident and a very easier to use. It's been a learning experience I anticipate that the directory will experience. productive near very and useful tool in the become a more flexible future. Another successful development was initiated by Susan was development Another successful by Bryn initiated was The most recent development on a major upgrade of the website working are now We cycle! best wishes for the new Very quarterly news quarterly (http://druidnetwork.org/en/view/news), to which any to which (http://druidnetwork.org/en/view/news), of with the addition together can contribute, staff member of to having without to news direct access allows RSS (which of staying way an immediate provides now visit the website) both in the important developments up to date with website. community and on the This Adminstrator. Yew in her as capacity Order of the Warren which Project Pages, Yew of the resulted in the development pages to create their own members Yew Order of the allow (http://druidnetwork.org/en/yew/members/yew_members/projects These pages members). Yew of the - only accessible to Order have about about projects that they members to talk allow as a part of their commitment and dedication as undertaken Statement of Dedication in their expressed (http://druidnetwork.org/en/yew/members/statements/index.html). model for future an excellent offers This initiative the members could be offered example, For developments. sacred their own pages about opportunity to create their own area, about any sites or about their local patch, or indeed sharing. be worth in Druidry that would aspect or experience Asking that Colvin as the Druid Directory Coordinator. of managing question 'surely there is a better way excellent the computer to do as 'can't we get this?' (otherwise known stages of transforming in the final we are now the work?'), be much easier to the directory pages into a resource that will for her own below use and maintain (see Bryn's article for the model an excellent This again provides account). of resources on the site. future development notice anything and when this happens, you probably won't better it will put us in an even immediately! However, This will the site in interesting ways. position to develop look and feel to the site of a new include the development so if there (though the current style will remain available), in the world out there eager to get involved members are any of website styling and CSS, please get in touch! Directory Avey, The Oak and Feather Grove Avey,

{ Lynda Ryder, Affiliated Groups and Groves Groups Affiliated Ryder, Lynda { 2 Hopefully most of you will have seen the last two issues seen the last two will have Hopefully most of you of the items we try to include, here's a As an example For example, the development of Member News the development example, For Gentle, unknown leaf Gentle, you The sun has darkened And now time curls at your edges away your soft sheen. Worrying The time for your dances has ended you is before And now the fall to rest Return to Earth, your mother and lay at one with her. Embrace will be called again You sunlight up and out with the be drawn, To One story among a lifetime of stories be true. Live it to your best and in the telling, you will dance again For of summer In the breezes And with your soft shine Show the joy of your spirit During the last few months the final changes have taken taken changes have the final months last few During the to various Due Groves. Groups and Affiliated place to Adams Rhys and relocation, Morgan personal commitments She Co-ordinator. AG the role of from has stepped down TDN, and long-standing connection to her valuable keeps been has now Groups and Groves Affiliated the area of but for the work Morgan to thank by myself. I'd like over taken in the past, TDN and groves with she has done in connection which for the inspiration she gave and more especially place! in the first involved prompted me to become them at will find if not you Quarterly Newsletter; AG of the URL: the following http://druidnetwork.org/en/affiliatedgroups/newsletters The Oak and Feather Grove: from Avey poem by Community Driven Development Community Driven yesterday that we were taking our first It only seems like drupal web software, steps with the 'new' tentative website, yet it has for the Druid Network (http://drupal.org) been running successfully for 15 months. During that now we overall had our problems, but inevitably time, we have with limited from a static website seen a gradual move have Whilst it has been one. a more interactive input towards tempting to unleash the full force of the technology that is gradual that is showing at our disposal, experience now by those based on suggestions and ideas offered evolution more useful and who really use the site produces far accessible results. The next Groves Newsletter will be sent out at the Spring Newsletter Groves The next will be welcome and need to be Equinox, all contributions submitted by March 7th. Winter Blessings of Website Affiliated Groups and Groves Groups Affiliated

http://druidnetwork.org wtmog project

Weaving the Magic of Gratitude It's very simple, really. A few weeks ago I was watching Celebrity Mastermind on the telly. There was a man called Danny on the program, talking about something he had started. One day he placed an ad in his local newspaper. The wording was simple - it just read, 'Join me.' One person joined him, then a few more and a few more. Danny had no idea what they were going to join together to do - but when 200 people joined - and were all looking to him for guidance - he thought he'd better come up with something. Eventually an idea came to him, and he asked them all to do small acts of random kindness as they went about their daily lives. I think he finished by saying that, today, there are about 250,000 Join Me people - all doing small acts of random kindness to people, animals, and their environment. http://druidnetwork.org I loved that. To me, simple woman that I am, that is magic. It's magic that is very real, very tangible - and it spreads outwards like ripples on the still surface of a lake. Who knows where the ripples will end, whether they will gradually fade away or grow into waves? It doesn't matter, sometimes just the starting is sufficient. I've always wanted to give something back to Druidry, something that expresses my gratitude and appreciation for so much richness in the tradition and the tribes. There are the words and music of the Bards amongst us that stir my longings or cause me to celebrate with exhilaration - and there are the wonderfully computer literate beings who look after the websites and the forums and help (frequently) when Drum raffled at the OBOD Winter Gathering, by Chris Hurst I'm stuck in techno klutz-ville. I've marvelled at the work of the amazing artists amongst us who express themselves in now a band of several lovelies who have generously offered paint and silver - and I've shared so much with so many lovely their time and skills in crafting items to raffle at Camp - and huggable friends as well as connecting with the Land and the we've widened the scope to bring in those who are great at old stories of it and even (hesitatingly) learning a bit of Welsh! healing, divination, or kitchen witchery. So if you can bake So, back in December I started a bit cautiously because I cakes, cast horoscopes, read tarot - or anything, really - it wasn't really all that sure that what I had to offer would be would be great if you would consider freely giving good enough. But, hey, we all think that a lot of the time - so something of your expertise back to the tribe and joining in. I ploughed on regardless and made a drum and a tooled Together we can make a real celebration - and have a load of leather bag for OBOD's Winter Gathering. The items were fun along the way! raffled and (in the space of really only a few short hours) There's a special thread on the forums section of the TDN made £380.00 for the Woodland Trust as well as finding a website (http://druidnetwork.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2800) great home with a beautiful loving owner who told me that where you can post your pledges, and all proceeds will go to the gift of them had immensely empowered her own journey. the TDN Tree Planting Fund. Nick's the expert in It seemed like a good idea to offer to do the same kind of environmental charities and good causes - all I really want to thing at Druid Camp. So I did. But this time, much to my do is be a bit like Danny and put the ad in the paper and then surprise and delight, the ripples of magic grew a little wider leave everyone to do their own stuff once they've joined. Oh, and other craftspeople said they would like to join in. We are yes, and have a few hugs too. { Chris Hurst

Trees for Schools trees had arrived I was a little nervous of going into school and meeting a bunch of children, but it was lovely. We talked This winter has seen several getting their local about what they knew already about trees and I showed them schools involved with the Woodland Trust's 'Tree For All' the different types of trees in the school grounds and told project (www.treeforall.org.uk). Here is the story of one of them a little about them. the recent planting days: 'Then we carefully opened the package of trees the 'I found it such fun and so inspiring to get involved in this Woodland Trust had sent for us to plant. I showed them project and it was really easy to do. I phoned my local school which little 'whip' was which tree and we choose a place to and told them I lived locally and had heard of the Woodland plant them. I showed the children how to measure the Trust project. They hadn't heard of it so I explained about the spacing between them with their hands and soon everyone free trees they could get for their school grounds. When I was happily digging holes and getting muddy. told them I'd be happy to help them plant them and about the 'My visit to the school only lasted about an hour, but the Woodland Trusts education resources, they jumped at the memories of the fun and the comments the children made chance to be involved! about how proud they are of the trees they've planted will be 'I followed the instructions on TDN's website with me for much longer. For me this was a great bit of Awen (http://druidnetwork.org/en/enviroprojects/schools) and it in Action!' was easy to set up. When the teacher called me to say the { Louise Sutherland, Ethical/Environmental Assistant 3 Snowhawk, January 2008 Snowhawk,

{ sacred lands sacred Whether by chance or choice we walk a road unlike any other unlike we walk a road or choice Whether by chance - it only leads forward on this route no side roads are There lost and we are it disappears If we turn around, look down this path not even Most dare in darkness, cloaked Uneven, in the night, eyes Root and stone, Shadow claws banish the darkness with Light They dwell is brightly lit, they The place where changes the scene never but sit, And they for the story to come Waiting different are We behind, Leaving the fire open sky the doorway and out under the step through We by the Night Opening our arms to be embraced walk, We stumble in the dark, We slipping on wet stone, tangled root, over Tripping Falling, stone a different root, time a new each Only to discover with us their stories, share close to the Earth, they our ears With the simplicity of good and evil, stories beyond new stories of wonder, of knowledge, of inspiration, fear and movement, and intelligence, danger violence and truth, love, lust, joy, birth and death, tales Nature the stories, In the darkness we find And the stories illuminate of inspiration forth in rays light burst our eyes, Before have seen lands that few vistas, new Shining onto new all imaginations. with beauty beyond Lands filled whose only sign post says, down this road we travel Ever onward Freedom". "To On Being Pagan

^ ^ ^ Jennifer MacCormack (Eadha Deora) (Eadha Deora) MacCormack Jennifer

{ ^ 4 John Newton, North West England Co-ordinator West North Newton, John { As part of a trial project to help this process, TDN has As part of a trial project to help this process, area (Cumbria, Lancashire, West in the North If you live can contact me by email at [email protected] You Due to the shorter days and also our motorbike breaking Due to the shorter days and also our motorbike though at Gwyl Fraid is a Of particular significance Perhaps then, these are the genus loci that ask us 'will you The Druid Network aims to support local and regional aims to support local and regional The Druid Network It the practice of Druidry. that inspire and facilitate activities of communication and to increase the level also wants relationship between its members. in the co-ordinator for members appointed me as regional England region. West North Cheshire) and Manchester, Merseyside, Yorkshire, West to or want with local networking, to get involved like would out what's happening near you, please get in touch. find or by writing to me at: Flat 3, Gate House, Spring Bank, to hearing from you. Preston, PR1 8PL. I look forward Although Brighid is thought of as solely a Gaelic goddess, as solely a Gaelic Brighid is thought of Although Wales. accepted here in she also was that forget people often as Braid is Fraid' (Braid's Festival), Imbolc is called 'Gwyl have may We Bride or Irish Bríd. the same as the Scottish changes there are already but midwinter, just passed the deep footsteps of spring. Snowdrops announcing the in the air, bitterly their determined heads through to the pushed have sheep seem to be getting Welsh the famous and even cold air, all the rain this summer, After pasture. restless in their winter pure white as milk and and streams are engorged the rivers dairy stores. I also call Imbolc 'Gwyl from Braid's bottomless for this is the time when (the Maiden's Festival), Forwyn' comely and full of starts to feel renewed, everything the As the Samhain cauldron transforms into potential. and 'cleanse' our Imbolc well, it is a time to drink deep patterns and events spirits, bodies and thoughts, so that new year. in the new can emerge more sacred sites any been exploring (again!), I haven't down since Samhain, other than the ones local to Wales in North visit. which I regularly my home in Snowdonia called 'Ffynnon particular holy well on the Llyn Peninsula Here is a spring that comes up out of Well). Cybi' (St Cybi's Hazels, and the the ground from among Sessile Oaks and other Apparently, is particularly sweet and efficacious. water times stretching far people thought so as well, from Christian and the spring built times, as a bath was back into Pagan through to meet a small it and then flowed filled waters cottage a tiny stream. In the time of the early Celtic Church, the attending to could live, where a 'keeper' also built was of pilgrims who well and to the hundreds (yes, hundreds) Enlli (the Isle of Bardsey). Ynys to passed by on their way is full of sacred wells Wales, particularly North but Wales, still stop and pause and springs, places where pilgrims can today. can we as 'pilgrims' drink deeply today?' In what way Wisdom? of Well through life tend our individual North Wales North North West England

http://druidnetwork.org Isle ofWight Rainbow, The Longstone, Mottistone, Isleof Wight colourful year. born intheGrove of Ynys Weith. We lookforward toa appeared. gently faded tonothing,asquicklyanddiscreetlyithad growing toitsfullbrightnessandbeauty. 'dedicate' totherainbow -itrespondedbydoublingand of theceremony -whichwe,inthemoment,decidedto the upright,viewed fromtheEast. stronger andstronger, describingagreat,completearcover outline oftherainbow began toappear. the sunbegan tobreakabove CastleHillandthefirst faint sky. We wererewarded withamagickalexperience. celebrate the Winter Solsticebeneathacloudy, orange-shot Mottistone, Isleof Wight, justasdawn was breakingto celebration. We actuallyraisedarainbow! An extraordinary event attendedour Winter Solsticeriteand 2007 Alban Arthuan, Bendithion Llawen /|\Many BlessingsoftheNew Light And so,thenew lightandtheMabon,SunChild,was Then, aswethanked thequartersandclosedcircle,it At thesecondroundof Awen chant,towards theend As wecontinuedwiththeceremony, therainbow became As wesangthefirst ofourtwo roundsoftriple-Awens, Around dozensoulsgatheredat The Longstone, {

Maurice (Blue), Wight Druids,Celli Ynys Weith sacred lands France and Frenchwillwarm yourwinter! in anotherfuturearticle! browsing theFrenchpagesof the DruidNetwork, ormaybe Malicorne... You canfind moreinformationandresourcesby Alan Stivell, Myrdhin, Annie Ebrel,Gabriel Yacoub and There aremany othergroupsIwould like todescribe,like http://edoll.free.fr the Bretonidentity. humour andcourageofourancestors,stronglysupports possible) isnever far away! Butthisgroupremindsusofthe everyone knows andsings! French groups,becauseoftheirtraditionalfolksongsthat Tri Yann ('ThreeJohn'inBreton!)isoneofthemostfamous Tri Yann www.danarbraz.com bring itwithmeonadesertisland! favourites. Itisnever far frommyhi-fi systemandIwould the spiritanddiversity ofCelticMusic,andisonemy Ireland, Wales, Scotland,andGaliciaallreunitedtocelebrate features 70ofthefinest musiciansandsingersfromBrittany, again inFrance,ishuge,andhisinfluencestillimportant. artists. Hiswork, tohelpCelticmusicwake upandbeborn l'héritage desCeltesandhiscooperationwithmajorFrench This Frenchguitaristisvery famous becauseofhisproject Dan arBraz www.myspace.com/0lunerousse www.lune-rousse.com the roadsofBrittany. close totheirfans, youcanmeetthemeasilyeachsummeron take theriskofimprovisation, whichdefines theirstyle. Very Mainly inspiredbyCelticandmedieval music,they often Bolette (flutes)and Anthony (bodhranandpercussion). Lune RousseiscomposedofChristine(violinandalto), Lune Rousse http://myspace.com/cecilecorbel www.cecile-corbel.com Mediterranean melodies. ancient poems,originalcompositions,Celtictunesand compared toKateBush’s, reveal aworld encompassing harp techniqueandherappealingyoungvoice, sometimes talented andpromisingartistsofhergeneration.Herunique Cécile isayoungFrenchharpist,andoneofthemost Cécile Corbel Unfortunately they aresometimesnotfamous enough! other membersdetailsofafew talentedFrenchartists. French pagesoftheDruidNetwork, Idecidedtosharewith While lookingforanideamyarticle,andupdatingthe I hopeyouwillenjoy thissmalldiscovery andthatBreton Most ofthemarevery funny. Flirting(andmoreif The 'L'héritagedesCeltes'(CelticHeritage)album { Caillu,Co-ordinator ofthe TDN French Pages

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Co-ordinators This needs to be We are looking for We Emma Restall Orr (Bobcat) { This area of the website is now of the website is now This area This area of the website is gently vacancies There is always a need for competent, always There is This is an area that we are currently putting This is an This is an area that needs to be expanded and kept and kept This is an area that needs to be expanded for smaller regions of the USA are still required. These will are still required. of the USA for smaller regions with across the US and Canada, deal promote the Network co-ordinate between local groups.It is local enquiries and in order to put together the necessary to be web-competent areas. web pages for these Administrator: Order of the Yew a member of the Order for a while, someone who has been patient and utterly dedicated to the who is web-literate, consistent email access and a passionate with work, understanding of what the Order represents. Co-ordinator: Web on the Peace our Peace pages, someone committed over someone to take of ways new and finding ancient ways to exploring in Working world. understanding the notion of 'peace' in our Cathi (Yarrow) partnership with our Peace Co-ordinator, out on the front line to be managing who is too often Davis, good measures of the area by herself, yet also claiming be the project area, this person will autonomy over writing articles, looking at ritual and commissioning, finding about and reviewing information giving and philosophy, inspiration. and local happenings, sharing events world Profiles: of interest to the who are updated, focusing on individuals priests, artists Druid community (teachers, writers, bards, such as publishers and and so on) and organisations post the pages magazines. Ideally the person would the this is not essential. Most importantly, but themselves, about human position needs someone insightful and curious and thorough. nature, sensitive Rites and Rituals: it it could use a dedicated person to take but now, growing and and run with it, commissioning groups, groves over priests to submit ideas for rituals, both theory and practice. It suit someone who is is a web-based role that would interested in the art of ritual and the importance of Their editorial touch community (as well as solitary) rites. need to be from mainstream Druid ritual, not the would or Culdee. Wiccan magickal, Sites: Sacred be who would together and we are looking for individuals (or taking over interested in sending contributions sacred sites, such pages) for various management of specific Derbyshire, Cumbria and as stone circles in Cornwall, Scotland. Staff: Technical If technical minds at the Network. dedicated and efficient in the technical side of you are interested in getting involved website, email The Druid Network running and developing Manager. the Web 'What is Druidry' Project: looking for co-ordinators, including the Mythology and able to use our require someone This would Deity sections. be who would simple web-editing software, very ensuring the commissioning and accepting contributions, and growing. fully alive area is always always keen to have folk who may not be willing or able to be willing or able folk who may not to have keen always in contribute are willing to but on the whole project take or smaller ways. more specific America Members Co-ordinators: North This person need not be web- We are looking for a responsible person to We 6 We are looking for a responsible person to We If someone asks what they can do for the Network, can do for the Network, they If someone asks what we thought we'd put out a list of the In this Quarterly, manage the whole project area (which is now very large), large), very manage the whole project area (which is now commissioning research, updates and articles, posting or campaigns. events possibly organising and contributions website and part of the Network These pages are a key to develop need articles and information contributed always resource: we are therefore also valuable this and improve The Druid Network acts a well of inspiration for the Druid a well of inspiration acts Network The Druid medium for the ideas as a as a whole, existing community of the great number of people. Many and teachings of a sent in by Network are contributions of the Network voices are staff. of those voices many but members and other users, with sixty, team numbers over staff At the moment, our and then, hours now just a few working Associate Staff some 20+ hours a week. It is a giving and some Full Staff and inspiration. of ideas, priorities interweaving wonderful we how, not knowing but in some way to contribute wanting and consider what most interests and ask them to go away come back to us with an idea that we inspires them, and to no one is paid for their After all, can help them manifest. put hours they many (however member of staff - every work their time and of skill) gives their level in and whatever As a result, it is crucial that each staff for free. energy in itself. In by the work member is nourished and rewarded after all, is a quest for inspiration in Druidry, ways, so many that so our creativity offering fully, order that we may live we can inspire others. of alerting folk that are currently open, in the hope vacancies to open is always to opportunities. Of course, the Network and not, within the ideas and projects, both web-based new Please let us know human community and the environment. if or indeed of those listed below, if you are interested in any idea, by writing to [email protected], another you've or by letter to the direct to me at [email protected], bottom of page 8). PO address (at the office Celebrants Co-ordinator: the to extend want literate although it may be useful if they a simple listing. He or she does need to web pages beyond someone who be a compassionate people-person, and ideally will They has connections throughout the Druid community. (inspiring them to need to seek out and talk with celebrants from those seeking join our directory), and to answer emails together at times. folk a celebrant, matching the relevant been mooted about celebrant training, so this Ideas have advertising teachers and finding need to be organised, would and courses. workshops the relevant and Contributors Co-ordinator, Projects Environmental Volunteers: The Druid Network, Projects for manage Environmental Planting and Tree our making decisions about how and events Fund is spent, organising Conservation we would fund raising, but It may also involve networking. what any the role according to be looking to develop It is not necessarily a web-based role, application can offer. as there could be back up if the right person for the job is not a There are also roles here for people who have web-literate. great interest in the area and are willing to feed information and Projects Co-ordinator to our Environmental and initiate, co-create or Co-ordinator, Environmental TDN projects in this field. develop Contributors Co-ordinator, Ethics and Ethical Living and Volunteers: Vacancies at TDN Vacancies

http://druidnetwork.org Lindow ManreturnstoManchester through the TDN office. pages [email protected] orbypost you areinterestedinattending,keep aneye on TDN events opportunity toleave offerings andtoseetheexhibition. If the spiritsofland,godsandancestors,an general ritualheldinpublicspace,therewillbeprayersto from alltraditionsinvolved, withintheframework ofa late April orearlyMay, atManchesterMuseum. With Pagans northern homeland. The date is notyetconfirmed but willbe ancestor ashereturnsfromLondontowhatwas probablyhis consultation onhisexhibition anddisplay. involved intheprocess,providing ateamtocontribute tothe for ancienthumanremainsofPagan origin,hasbeen Ancient Dead(HAD),aPagan organisation thatadvocates secured aloanforyearfrom April 2008.Honouring the London claimedhisremains,but ManchesterMuseumhave Cheshire, earninghimthelocalnicknameofPeteMarsh. preserved headandtorsowereexhumed atLindow Moss, occupation ofBritain. A littleover 20yearsago,hispeat- extraordinary periodwhentheRomanEmpirebegan its Common Era.Somebelieve hemayhave lived inthat Lindow Manisanancestorofperhapsthefirst centuryofthe HAD isarrangingfora With itsusualimperialism,theBritishMuseum in Welcoming Rite { EmmaRestallOrr(Bobcat) forthisancient other news Staff AGM site. around thepresentationareallavailable onthe TDN web Foundation work. Photographs,reviews andanarticlebased Pump Rooms,andsoldcopiesoftheirCDinsupport presented adramaticsongandstoryinthetown's historic townsfolk andfestival attendees.Later, Stefan andPaul Pagans, gatheredmany spectatorsfromthepassing some two dozenpeople,whichincludedlocalDruidsand suffered inthethenrecentsummerfloods. The circleof which was focuseduponthetown anditspeople,whohad blessing, basedaroundthehealingpowers oftheplant. Mistletoe Festival was attendedbyDruidswhohelda connected withMistletoe.Onceagain,the Tenbury Wells The darker monthsoftheyearareobviously thosemost him know ifyouarecoming. ([email protected]) ifyouhaven't donesoalreadytolet in Chester. PleasegetintouchwithRob General Meeting)isquicklyapproachingon1-2March2008 A remindertoall TDN staff thatthe2008 AGM (Annual Stefan Seniuk Allen andPaul Newman facilitated therite, Mistletoe Foundation 7 { { Susan Warren BishandKoo

http://druidnetwork.org events http://druidnetwork.org February March Friday 1 February 2008, 7.00pm Saturday 15 March 2008, 10.00am to 5.00pm Imbolc Bardic Showcase Stav Course - Rune Lore and Mythology George's Room, Glastonbury Experience, Glastonbury. Horspath Chapel, Horspath near Oxford. Tallyessin will be hosting an evening of enchanting music, With Graham Butcher. Rune lore and mythology and using storytelling and poetry featuring the Bards of Bath and the runes for gaining greater self-knowledge and awareness Glastonbury. Come and celebrate the festival sacred to the of our wyrd. £25 (I&F members £20). goddess of the bards, Brighid, in the Isle of Avalon. £8/6. Information: www.iceandfire.org.uk Information: Isle of Avalon Foundation on 01458 833933 or via www.isleofavalonfoundation.com Sunday 16 March 2008 Tuatha De Bridget Spring Equinox Festival Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 February 2008 Pollok Country Park, Glasgow, Scotland. The Way of the Bard Meet at 1pm in the Burrell Car Park. Isle of Avalon Foundation, Glastonbury, Somerset. Information: Siusaidh at [email protected] or New for 2008, a comprehensive nine-month Bardic http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TuathaDeBridget Foundation course based on ancient and modern techniques, led by Kevan Manwaring (author of The Bardic Handbook). Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 March 2008 Explore the legendary landscape of Glastonbury over six Magical Weekend at Tircoch: Sacred Landscapes weekends as you take the Way of Awen with an experienced Tircoch, Gower, South Wales/Gwyr, De Cymru. storyteller and teacher. Full course fee (non-residential): Now it its 8th year, Ana Adnan and Professor Ronald Hutton £850 (Imbolc Bardic Showcase and copy of official present a programme of workshops which explore our textbook, The Bardic Handbook, included). Can be paid in magical relationship with the natural world and mythological instalments over the year. Deposit £150. realms, weaving ritual, storytelling, drama, music, history, Information: Isle of Avalon Foundation on 01458 833933 or landscape and myth into a powerful adventure of friendship, via www.isleofavalonfoundation.com. Tutor information at laughter and transformational magic. With an opportunity to www.tallyessin.com. explore the sensational Stone Age sites of the Gower, including the world famous Paviland Caves. Sunday 3 February 2008 Information: Nina on 01275 542705 or via email at Tuatha De Bridget Imbolc Festival [email protected] Pollok Country Park, Glasgow, Scotland. Tuatha De Bridget is an Open Druidcraft Group in Glasgow. Sunday 23 March 2008 We meet at 1pm in the Burrell Car Park and then walk through Anderida Gorsedd - Spring Equinox Ritual the woods to the Ancient Earthworks Site. After our ceremony, The Long Man of Wilmington, Sussex. we walk back to the Burrell and then have a warm drink, Meet in the Long Man car park at 1.30pm to begin our walk up maybe something to eat in the café and some informal chat. to the hill figure at 2pm. Information: Siusaidh at [email protected] or Information: email [email protected] or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TuathaDeBridget www.anderidagorsedd.org

Sunday 3 February 2008 Sunday 23 March 2008 Anderida Gorsedd - Imbolc Ritual Caer Bann Spring Equinox Rite The Long Man of Wilmington, Sussex. Beacon Hill, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire. The Anderida Gorsedd is a Druid group, facilitated by Damh With the Charnwood Grove of Druids. Meet at Beacon Hill the Bard and Cerri Lee, that has been holding regular open upper car park, at 11.30am for 12 am. Bring a dish and share rituals at the Long Man of Wilmington since Spring Equinox lunch in Woodhouse Eaves afterwards. Everyone welcome. 2000. Meet in the Long Man car park at 1.30pm to begin our Information: email [email protected] walk up to the hill figure at 2pm. Afterwards retire to the Giants Rest pub for a social drink. Information: email [email protected] or visit April and onward www.anderidagorsedd.org Saturday 19 April 2008, 11.30am to 6.00pm Sunday 10 February 2008 Stav Course - Rune Lore and Mythology The Gorsedd of Rhiannon and the White Horse Imbolc Rite The Pavilion, North Curry, near Taunton, Somerset. The White Horse at Uffington. With Graham Butcher. £25 (I&F members £20). We will meet in the main car park at the White Horse around Information: www.iceandfire.org.uk noon and then proceed to the area around Dragon Hill where the Gorsedd will be held. For those who are unable to Sunday 27 April 2008 manage the walk we'll lay on cars to ferry you to the bottom Tuatha De Bridget Beltane Festival of Dragon Hill. Bardic initiation and handfastings offered if Pollok Country Park, Glasgow, Scotland. required. Contributions for the informal eisteddfod (songs, Meet at 1pm in the Burrell Car Park. poems, stories) will be very welcome. Information: Siusaidh at [email protected] or Information: Kestrel at [email protected] or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TuathaDeBridget 07790 661245 Sunday 4 May 2008 Saturday 16 February 2008, 11.30am to 6.00pm Anderida Gorsedd - Beltane Ritual Stav Course The Long Man of Wilmington, Sussex. The Pavilion, North Curry, near Taunton, Somerset. Meet in the Long Man car park at 1.30pm to begin our walk up With Graham Butcher. Galder stances and practicing Stav to the hill figure at 2pm. for improved health and well-being. £25 (I&F members £20). Information: email [email protected] or visit Information: www.iceandfire.org.uk www.anderidagorsedd.org

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