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Editorial Affiliated Groups Samhain When our Quarterly was published at Lughnasadh The Autumn Equinox (or Spring Equinox for all 2007 this year, we had just been through weeks of you folks in the Southern Hemisphere) saw the torrential rain and flooding. Though much of the launch of our new quarterly newsletter for barley, around here at least, had been brought in, Affiliated Groups. All groves, gorseddau and the wheat sat in the fields, growing black with orders have received a copy of the newsletter mould, some not harvested until mid- to late- which contains various items of interest from the August. It hasn’t been much of a summer, and seven groves that responded so magnificently to though I’m told the apple harvest is good, many our call for news and inspiration to share with the are finding the stores are thin. As winter community - especially as it was very short notice approaches, and communities and families draw and we only had ten days to put it all together! I'm hoping that even more groups will respond for the together, the support we give each other this year Solstice issue and that the newsletter will go from will be especially important. strength to strength and be a valuable point of Closing the year at Samhain is one of the most contact for all the different groups. And don't poignant of our festivals, encouraging us to look forget - if you are thinking of starting a grove and back on what we’ve achieved. TDN has grown need advice or inspiration please have a look at sturdier, increasing its North American staff, the Affiliated Groups Pages. We are here to help! taking on a new Directory editor and new Spanish ! Lynda Ryder, Affiliated Groups co-ordinators. We’ve lawyers working on the Charities Commission application and other areas Interfaith of discrimination. We’ve a new course The Interfaith section of the site is slowly being online, a debating area in the Ethical section, and updated. One of the new sections will concern a steady flow of book reviews adding to the value SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious of this rich resource. Education). This is a multifaith group, required by If your address or contact And as we look to the dark months ahead, there law within each Local Educational Authority in details have changed, please is a sense of potential humming for Druidry as a England and , that seeks to guide Religious let us know by updating your whole. The faith community is finding strength Education in schools. Currently there is no, or details on The Network and balance. Government and other bodies are next to no, Pagan representation on these councils. site at http://druidnetwork.org listening to our needs; each situation that arises Marianne Timms is seeking to join her local LEA or by writing to the office at entangled with ignorance or prejudice we are able SACRE as a Pagan Druid. the address below. to address more effectively, making changes. "I started this because I realised the area where There is a maturity of confidence and direction I work, where my children go to school, had no The Druid Network that is broadly growing, allowing the majority to Pagan representation on their SACRE board. I Quarterly news is explore their own expression of Druidry, and to work in a primary school as a teaching assistant printed on 100 per share the awen. It is good to witness and exciting and had previously been a teacher for eight years cent recycled paper. to be a part of the process. in two separate primary schools. I contacted Many blessings of the darkness that nourishes. PEBBLE [the Public Bodies Liaison Group for Do you need this publication British Paganism - www.pebble.uk.net] and they ! (Bobcat) in an alternative format? were prepared to back my application based on For more details, please email my experience both in schools and as a practising [email protected]. Pagan. With this backing, I set about contacting Approaching Winter Ritual my local group. I found the website through Google and followed the 'contact us' link. My I wake, finding my edges in the darkness of my local group lists both an email contact address and bedroom. a telephone number. I wrote an email introducing I stretch, sinking roots into the ground. myself and then followed it up with a phone call PO Box 3533 I breathe, tasting leafmould in the rich wet earth. to the co-ordinator. He was very positive about my Whichford possible involvement and has confirmed with me Shipston on Stour I walk, outside in the cold, to my altar. that my representation has been discussed with the Warwickshire I sit, finding reason, stillness, intention. Chair of the group. My request will be raised at CV36 5YB I fill, with food and thanks, the bird feeders. the next meeting in early October." England http://druidnetwork.org I listen, in the first grey light to their songs, We hope to follow Marianne's successful bid I smile, rooted, renewed, inspired. on the web site (Interfaith/SACRE). If you feel similarly driven to seek membership of your local TDNQ Editor: Dan Carpenter ! Louise Sutherland SACRE, let us know. [email protected] ! Bish, Interfaith Web Coordinator quarterly news http://druidnetwork.org National Tree Week Order of the Yew Will You Help Plant More Trees? Launch of the Projects pages National Tree Week (22 November to 2 December), Members of the Order of the Yew will find that there is a new organised by the Tree Council (www.treecouncil.org.uk), is and truly dynamic section to the Order's webpages, called just a few weeks away, marking the start of the tree planting Projects. One of the Network's IT gurus has worked his season. This year, The Druid Network is joining the magic (thank you David!) and now, each member of the thousands of people planting trees across the UK as part of Order of the Yew has their own Project page. These pages are the Woodland Trust's Tree For All campaign. only viewable by other members of the Order, providing Tree For All aims to plant 12 million new trees in schools space for us to share the projects and work we are doing as a and communities across the UK. So far, the project has part of our commitment of service and action to Druidry. created over 4,000 acres of new woodland as over 516,881 I would encourage all members of the Order of the Yew to people, mostly school children, have planted almost three explore the new pages and also to add their own page! and a half million trees! The project has worked with 9,000 http://druidnetwork.org/en/yew/members/yew_members/projects schools and over 500 community groups; 100 major partners ! Susan Warren, Admininstrator, Order of the Yew have been involved, including The Druid Network. So far, Dark Moon Gathering, Ynys Mon we have contributed £160 to the scheme. Held on 8 to 9 September 2007 We want your help to make the project even more As the heavy, evening dew fell over the island of Anglesey successful. The simple act of planting a tree has the power to and two members of the tribe settled into their tents for the both restore our landscapes and inspire our children with a night, a tinge of excitement came over me. Anticipating a fresh love of nature and a determination to act on its behalf. weekend of delights, I retired home to my bed. So many children are growing up with little connection to The remaining tribe would arrive in the morning. All in the natural environment. With a phone call to your local all, 11 folk turned up for the weekend, a gorgeous group of school you could kick start their connection to the land they delectable folk. What followed was the best part of 24 hours, live on. a good proportion of which we spent immersed in ritual, in We want you to contact your local school and ask them if the land and the tribe. Of course we had to stop and eat every they have heard of Tree For All. If they haven't, tell them now and then and catch our breaths, but otherwise we were about it! Just by registering on the Woodland Trust website at focused in ritual. www.treeforall.org.uk/joinin, the school will receive a pack With a beautiful Yew sapling at the heart of our rites, we of 30 native saplings for the children to plant in their journeyed together as a tribe, into the darkness beneath her grounds. roots, and into the potentiality of nothingness. We danced If you're encouraging your local school to get involved, and chanted, we raised our power and allowed it to soar with maybe you can offer to help them plant the trees! There are the spirits of that place. We bled and sighed our energies into details of how approach your local school and stories of the our sacrifice; a beautiful hand made, copper penannular pin. who have already successfully done it, on the website Casting our sacrifice into the inky, black waters of our at http://druidnetwork.org/en/enviroprojects/schools. Once sacred lake, we allowed the darkness of the night, unaided by you know your local school is involved, email us to let the artificial light, to devour us for a while. And so into the environment coordinator know, and The Druid Network will cauldron we went (and into the lake in some people's cases!) pay the Woodland Trust for a pack of trees. to dance to the song of Yew and tribe. If you or your grove want information on local events The need-fire burnt in the darkness, calling those seen and connected to National Tree Week contact the Tree Council unseen to seek its warmth and dance to drumbeat and voice on 020 7828 9928 or visit www.treecouncil.org.uk. beneath the stars of a cloudless night. Bare, white flesh, ! Louise Sutherland, Ethical/Environmental Assistant stained with blood and tears moved to the rhythm of the earth, a tribe lost in the rapture of its own being, singing in Rugby World Cup praise of itself. It was a joy to host such an event and a joy to be with Wind through the forest, a wild storm others who lost themselves in the rapture of connection. I Driving leaves, lifting wakeful souls to listen can't wait to do it all over again! And to those who were Catching scents and uncertainties upon there, the Yew we connected with has been planted a few feet Hearts racing, hurled one way, then another beyond the North stone of our stone circle. In 4,000 years Chasing gusts of life, feet pounding time she may still remember us. Leaping, slipping and diving, holding tight Blessings of the Yew. Sweet releasing - oh glorious grandfathers! ! Kris Hughes, Cymru Coordinator and Yew member Warriors of these sacred lands, your blood Upon the mud, your sons honour you Here, chasing victory in your name ... As leaves release into the wind, gusts Kicking the dance, this way and that way Seeking that moment of touching the land. 2 ! Emma Restall Orr (Bobcat) the birth pages

Birth Pages Birth is a significant rite of passage. It takes an independent, self-determining woman to an extremity that she's unlikely to have previously experienced and it leaves her unalterably changed and with the greatest of responsibilities: it marks the transition from maiden to mother. To me, birth is the ultimate act of natural creativity, but in our industrialised society with its small fragmented families it has become something frightening, something to be endured, something to be saved from by hospitals, doctors and epidurals. While there is undoubtedly a place for these things and they have saved many lives, I believe that, for the vast majority of healthy women experiencing normal pregnancy, labour and birth, http://druidnetwork.org they are disempowering and they remove women from the experience and the spirit of the natural process. Browsing through the pages of The Druid Network wesite I was struck by the amount of wonderful information about death and dying and the absence of anything about Dawn and Pip pregnancy and birth. I have always considered birth and death to be almost like mirror images of the same spiritual and not all end happily. Birth does not just affect women and process and I was uncomfortable with this imbalance in babies, but the whole of the family and greater society. The information. And so the Birth Pages were born. There is a Birth Pages aims to reflect this. Stories, poems, reflections great pool of experience and opinion out there in the are invited and welcome on anything related to pregnancy Network and I decided to tap into that and request that other and birth: the joyous home birth, the hospital birth full of people share their stories. Storytelling is an integral element medical intervention and births full of grief such as stillbirth, of Druidry and I believe that we can be inspired by learn a miscarriage and infertility. They can be written from any great deal from each other's experiences, each other's stories. perspective: mother, father, grandparents, siblings, aunts and Bobcat suggested that Red, Kristal and I (all midwives) uncles… The common thread in the pages is the connection host a 'Birth Stories' workshop at Druid Camp. This was a to spirit and ancestors and how the writer's Druidry impacted small, intimate event which allowed the stories shared to be on the pregnancy, birth and their relationship with the baby told in great depth and detail. There was great joy and before and after birth. For those, like me, who work with laughter as well as grief and tears, hope and fear. I came birth, articles and stories about what drives you in your work home bubbling with inspiration and had two articles ready and how Druidry affects the way you practice. for the Pages within a week. Since then they have slowly If you have a story you would like to submit or you have continued to grow, and as they grow, more enquiries and an idea you would like to discuss please feel free to contact offers of stories trickle in. me via the contact form on the Birth Pages. Pregnancy and birth are a physical and emotional minefield ! Sophie Hastie, Ethical (Birth Pages) Coordinator

Druid words Ideas for honouring the Season of Samhain PEBBLE (www.pebble.uk.net) is starting a project to ensure Plan a 'dumb supper' for your ancestors. Plan a meal alone or that the next edition of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) with friends/family and make a plate up for the ancestors. includes Pagan terminology. The project has been started by Honour your ancestors with tales of family members who Thorskegga Thorn, a Heathen active in PEBBLE, who has have passed on, or by telling a story of a famous ancestor. already submitted over 100 terms to the OED for Hold a candle-light vigil. Turn off all of the lights and stand consideration, and is looking at a further 250. in complete darkness for a few minutes. Reflect upon those The Druid Network, as a partner organisation to who have passed on recently and reflect on your ancestors. PEBBLE, is looking to put together Druid terms for this When ready, light the candle and dedicate it to them. Place project, and we're looking for people with the time, skill and the candle inside a jack-o-lantern and place it outside with eagerness to get involved. We can't simply send a list of an offering of food, to help your ancestors find hospitality. words; each word needs clear published evidence, in books Alternatively, you could place a lit flashlight in your window or journals (not websites), to back up its validity as an to help guide the ancestors. English word in current usage with the relevant definition that we give it. Think about all that has happened this past year. What have Would you like to get involved? Send us suggestions via you succeeded in doing? What lessons have you learned? the website or let us know if you'd like to be part of a Make plans for the upcoming year. What would you like to dedicated team putting together our submission. The sooner have achieved by this time next year? we do this, we more we can get into the dictionary. ! Emma Restall Orr (Bobcat) ! Athelia Nihtscada, Westview Coordinator 3 sacred sites http://druidnetwork.org Isle of Wight A Petition and Manifesto The Longstone, Mottistone France As Wight Druids, we have so far celebrated open public ritual Confronted with the increasingly frequent defacements of at our sacred site, The Longstone, Mottistone, IoW, around 25 places that are sacred for us, we have decided to lead an times, and a number of people have recently said they are action group to seek the protection of Sacred Sites which convinced they have felt the site 'grow'. Part of me would takes into account the value of the biodiversity together with obviously like to believe that to be so, though I leave the final recognition of the spiritual, cultural and historical judgement to others, as I could not truly claim to be objective importance of the site. when it comes to my 'temple'. Being aware that the problems are not only limited to Why? Possibly because it is so old; a Neolithic site set high France, we will also consider European and global sites, on downland rich with the barrows of the ancestors, which both to consider similar problems (Brocéliande, Tara, connects me very clearly and directly with my long lineage in Thornborough) and to celebrate successes in these areas these lands. Possibly because it is in such a beautiful spot, (recognition of ancients beliefs, conservation of places of overlooking a lovely long, lush rural valley with the salt tang ancestral heritage). of the nearby open ocean in the air; in the lee of the high We have produced two versions of our manifesto, one in downs and with its remaining standing stone facing towards French and one in English, which asks for the following: the rising Sun. Possibly because it has been a special moot or That the Committee for the Protection of Sacred Places meeting place and perhaps, also, a place of justice and (which has been established) is required to start making a judgement, since time immemorial. non-exhaustive list and mapping places that are sacred to But perhaps an even stronger part of the attraction is that cultural and spiritual traditions. this site is the only remaining one - and the central one - of That the committee should be a source of expertise just three that Island folklore holds were particularly sacred to consulted whenever a development may be taking place the ancient Druids of the land of Ynys Weith - the other two, or when a site is to recommended for protection. at either end of the Island, now long since destroyed by the That the religious and sacred aspect of these sites, even if elements. In fact, the only clearly documented reference to they are seemingly unoccupied, should be considered as a Druids existing on the Island is handed down to us through constraint, as is the protection of the environment, this tale, which would appear to have its roots in oral tradition geology and the economic activity of the site. and in the days before King Caedwalla 'Christianised', by the This text also includes examples of damaged sites and sword, this Island - the last Pagan place in England. protected sites in Europe and the wider world. The tribes of Wessex, Romans, Saxons, Jutes, Danish How You Can help Vikings, even the French, have done their best to lay waste to First, you can sign our petition as an individual. The text of this little sunny Island just off England's south coast. But all our petition (both in French and English) can be found at have manifestly failed to erase, at very least, the memory of http://terre.sacree.over-blog.com. the ancestral tradition we, as Wight Druids, are trying, in our Second, your Group, Order, or Association can sign as humble way, to preserve or recreate here. supporters of the Manifesto. Not much ever happens on this little Island. In fact, it's still Third, why not send our manifesto to your government? said you turn back the clock 20 years when you set foot on the (a copy can be found at the above address). To date we have Isle of Wight. Not much in the apparent world, perhaps... But sent it to the following people, but this list can grow! The Longstone remains, an enigmatic touchstone to the rich Within the French government: and turbulent past of our peoples from prehistory. An icon of a Internal Affairs Minister, cults and traditions office Druidry lost, now, to all but legend. And a perennially Culture and communication minister, administration of enduring symbol of the last Pagan place in England. architecture and heritage The 2007 tourist season is over now, and the visitors have Ecology minister, administration of nature and landscapes gone home. Many thousands will, again, have been drawn this Within the Council of Europe: season to The Longstone. And perhaps wondered why... Protection of heritage department But we will be there through the dark months to celebrate Service of cultural policies and actions each festival, as best we can in the tradition of the ancestors For further details and information, please contact us at we now know only through folklore and intuition. [email protected]. Or if you do not have email, If you are moved to join us or to visit this place in your you can write to us at: own time, please tread gently. Our dreams are not all you Les Ateliers du Sydhe tread on here. 46 ter rue Sainte Catherine ! Maurice (Blue), Wight Druids, Celli Ynys Weith 45000 Orléans www.wightdruids.co.uk France Cercle des Enfants de la Terre http://cercle.over-blog.fr North Wales ! Caillu, Co-ordinator of the TDN French Pages The energies and spirits of North Wales have been preparing and the Cercle des Enfants de la Terre for the oncoming winter, and seem about two weeks ahead of themselves than usual. Snowdon seems particularly pensive of Pictish Nemata late, and a strange quietness has hung about all the cairns and other sacred sites as life begins to sink into a deeper rhythm. Pictish Nemeta is a work in progress, at the moment a tabula Arianrhod's time has come, as the stars seem closer and rasa, awaiting the bravery of its guardian to put fingers to brighter, even in this period of extending darkness. This is the keyboard and learn how to embed her life's work into the ancient Welsh time to decide your 'fate' and challenge what firmament that is the internet. stands in your way. Stay tuned.... 4 ! Jennifer MacCormack (Eadha Deora) ! Kris Erskine of cor gawr

Ticket requests should be sent to: The Gorsedd of Cor Gawr Sue Bouvier, On the evening of 24 June 1995 a small group of Druids 186 Swievelands Road, gathered at Stonehenge and performed ritual in honour and Biggin Hill, celebration of Midsummer's Day. Following years of Kent TN16 3QS. exclusion and protest, from that small beginning the Gorsedd If you have booked multiple tickets, please include the names of Cor Gawr was formally inaugurated on 2 August 1997 and of everyone you have booked tickets for in your request. since that date has met on Midsummer's Day (24 June) and on Please note that tickets must be paid for in advance, and the Sunday before Midwinter. cannot be picked up at the site. They must be brought with It hardly seems possible now, but access to the stones for you to the Gorsedd as they contain a pass for the car park such a rite after years of exclusion was a huge achievement, without which you will not be admitted. Please make cheques and only made possible by the strenuous efforts of several payable to 'The Druid Network'. Any excess funds from the individuals and Druid orders who had a passionate idea that rites go to TDN tree planting projects. serious Druid ritual could once more be possible at Everyone is asked to bring offerings to the spirits of place, bread and mead for the shared feasting (mead must be in Stonehenge. As a result of years of hard work and negotiation, http://druidnetwork.org an access committee was set up which has helped to facilitate plastic bottles as glass ones will not be permitted within the both managed open access for the Summer Solstice, as well as Stones), and contributions to the should they wish. smaller gatherings at other times. Originally led by Bobcat Please dress more warmly than you expect! and Greywolf (Philip Shallcrass) the Gorsedd is now held by a ! Christine Cleere, Gorsedd of Cor Gawr small team of dedicated priests who give their time freely. The gatherings at Cor Gawr are made up by people from all walks of life both within and outside of our tradition. They offer a place where those of our own and other spiritual The Cauldron traditions can join to celebrate their faith publicly and openly, Deep depths, deep breaths: fostering a deeper understanding of what modern Druidry is, the moist cool of subterranean ocean, and making the old traditions more accessible for those who the whirlpool of imperceivable motion. are 'dipping a toe into the water'. Around and down: drowning in serenity. The two gatherings are very different, since we meet for Down and around: groundless in infinity. the sunrise at Midsummer, whilst at Midwinter we gather at The silence-sound, yet a noiseless whir, sundown to slip into the black cold of the winter night and throbbing, pulsing heartbeat blur. reflect on the year that has passed and to learn from our experience and carry new ideas through the depth of winter in Memories dead; Hopes fled. All Now: the knowledge that they may bear fruit in the next year. Now sweet sleep, gift endowed, The rites generally last for about two hours, and begin with Now deep dreams, jeweléd shroud, honouring the ancestors and spirits of place and the four Now the sound stilled, woe killed, directions. Time is made for the particular significance of each soul and spirit to the brim filled gathering, and prayers and offerings can be made. Inspired by with peace and waiting, the moment and incorporating elements of drama, story and song, drawing on folk tradition and mythology appropriate to contentedness unabating. the time and place, the ritual is designed in such a way that The otherworldly underground mound you may engage with some, part, or all of it depending on where Life and Death meet and meld your purpose for being there. The Gorsedd ends with the into one elixir of moon- and sun-weld. sharing of bread and mead as well as stories, songs or dance. the blinding black lulls and rocks, The Gorsedd is open to all, though, in agreement with English Heritage, we need to keep the number to around 100 the stalling stir. Perfect Paradox. people due to health and safety. In order to achieve this, we Paradox Paradise, no Truth or Lies issue tickets. The cost of a ticket (£2 per person) covers our only the slow progression of eyes administration, and any monies left are put in to the Druid seeing unseen and hearing unheard, Network tree planting fund. bubbling hush of mumbled words. The rites are organised by Christine Cleere (Vixen), The Womb, the Walls, the Well-- together with a small group of supporting priests. For more within Her the Universe swells information about the Gorsedd rites you can contact Christine until Time sputters more out by emailing the Gorsedd of Cor Gawr Organiser at with a sacred sacred spout. http://druidnetwork.org/contact/the+Cor+Gawr+Organiser. Dates already agreed provisionally with English Heritage But all that once formed and floated are as follows. safe within Her safe-store Midwinter - Sunday 16 December 2007 (dusk) shall return to the Sea of Beginning Midsummer - Tuesday 24 June 2008 (dawn) back unto the sleep-filled spinning swimming, Midwinter - Sunday 14 December 2008 (dusk) enter/exit through the squeezing Door Midsummer - Wednesday 24 June 2009 (dawn) to begin again the Cycle episoded. Please remember that events organized for Stonehenge are always at risk of last minute cancellation (owing to any recent Weaving, leaving: this Circle of Time, not on a line; damage or risk of disturbance). The tickets are often sold out Up for clear Air only to plunge back into black Brine. up to a month before the date, so do book early. There is a maximum of six tickets per application. Please send stamped ! Jennifer MacCormack (Eadha Deora) addressed envelope or IRCs (see below for address). 5 events reviews http://druidnetwork.org A French view of the DruidCon 8 September 2007, Glasgow It’s My Favorite Time of the Year In France we only had our first Pagan conference this year Christmas, July, and New Year's Eve: thanks to the Pagan Federation France. Coming to Scotland All the bright, merry lights to help you see; was a long-time dream, and it became true with the The merchants in red, the crowds chest to knee, Celebrate without rekindling the tapestry. DruidCon... What a special and inspiring occasion! How to explain our surprise when we knew that Caer Ask any kid, any grocery store clerk, Clud is allowed to have rituals in a public park, without Which one they prefer: the fun day at work. being disturbed by the police, the city council or passers-by? The shadows and goblins and dark kittens lurk, It may seem usual to those who live in Scotland or other Excitement we've earned, we know we deserve! countries, but in France it is not. As you probably know, the DruidCon was held at Favorite graveyard haunt? Don't go by yourself! Strathclyde University, a large university in the heart of Take a church party, neighbors' group; dress "opposite". Glasgow. I work near the Sorbonne in Paris, but couldn't (Bring the EMF recorder, if you want to. even dream of asking to have a Pagan conference there! Pretend nobody can see what you do, Another example of surprise and inspiration was the legal And carry a good flashlight with you.) recognition of Pagan funerals, handfasting and baby blessings. These are in our hearts, but not in our French Find the 'old gypsy' at the school carnie booth, laws... Maybe if you pay them, she'll tell you a truth: Before experiencing it, it was really hard to imagine, and We enter Birth through the daylight veil it helps me to know it is real, to see it, even if it is not in my And peer at this world until our eyes pale. country. It's all that we are working for! Everyone wonders and most are perplexed: That's why it was so important to come, to see what can If this is our Life, then what happens next?

be done and to bring back the hope of doing the same and Draw through the sighing of the dark evening breeze! living our faith without having to hide. We can explain to the Look with ravens' eyes through twi-lit tree leaves. journalists or the state that we have examples of respectful Seek Sister Moon in the waters' recess, and legal Pagan practices, and that we are 30 years behind! Watch shadows rise and then decrease. I have such good memories of the people I met there, of their warm welcome and their patience with my English. I Hide and Seek! still keep in touch, and as a new coordinator for France, it is Wait and see! really helpful and pleasant to have faces and smiles to put to Samhain is our natural instinct. names. A gothic treat! Hope to invite you all to our French DruidCon one day! A well-earned release. And to my official Druidic wedding, protected grove, sacred Rest for the weary, Reverberations spinning tirelessly. tumulus... ! Caillu, Co-ordinator of the TDN French Pages It's a natural fact. A well-planned act. World class, at that! USA Northwest Region (At least rates curiosity.) The Northwest region held two events this year co- sponsored by the Druid Network! First, was the Lughnasadh But, isn't it really everyone's favored Rite? Camping Event in the Redwoods of Northern California. This was an incredible weekend witnessed by what I believe Peaceful Rest. All Blessings Be. Have an Enchanted Samhain. to be the most sacred trees in our area. The live Celtic music ! Wendy Pizzo deep into the night and deep into the forest, lit only by the flames of the bonfire, was truly magical! Many thanks to all those who made it possible. Equinox honoring the Welsh pantheon as well as a And on 28 and 29 September was another event in one of handfasting. The site was a small cliff over Diamond Lake the big cabins at Diamond Lake Resort in Oregon near with a breathtaking view. The cold wind was also Crater Lake. Wonder of wonders, it snowed! Normally it is breathtaking… oy! 70 degrees F. Druid friends from Chico, CA, created an amazing spread The event began Friday evening with a detailed for our post-ritual feast including roast leg of lamb and the presentation on the 'Waters of Life'. The Saturday workshops most fantastic soup I’ve ever tasted. They will be creating a followed a mostly 'getting to know the Nature Spirits better- cookbook specifically for Druids and appropriate dishes for type' theme which also included an in-depth presentation on the different seasons very soon. Ogham based upon some extremely interesting new research From the very depths of our soul, we appreciate all the and another detailing modern Druid cosmology. help, support and donations by all the participants. Fun, food During the late evening we held an 90-minute long and faith. Who could ask for more? 6 outdoor mega-ritual which included a celebration of the Fall ! Aigeann, Pacific Northwest Coordinator events reviews

The Druid Camp Even before camp began, there was drama and learning. The wettest summer in British documented history (or so we are Mistletoe Foundation told) meant that our usual venue near Monmouth was For those of you that have yet to discover ‘DruidCast’, a completely unusable. At the last minute, an extraordinary Druidic podcast run by Damh the Bard on behalf of OBOD, venue was found, near Westbury on Severn at the northern the current edition (number 5), contains an interview edge of the Forest of Dean. High on a hilltop, the River Severn between Philip Carr-Gomm and Stefan Allen, founder of the winding around below us, the blessings of her goddess Mistletoe Foundation. In it, they talk about the Foundation Sabrina adding to the whispers of the ancestors, it was her that and the magic of mistletoe. The interview was recorded at we honoured specifically during our opening rite on this years DruidCon, which was itself sponsored by The Wednesday afternoon. The focus of the Saturday afternoon Druid Network. The podcasts can be obtained from the ritual was the different gifts, challenges and influences offered OBOD site or via iTunes at no cost, and TDN has obtained us by the gods, from birth, through vitality, creativity and permission to transcribe the interview for upload to the

experience, to death. http://druidnetwork.org There were so many great talks and workshops. We were Mistletoe Foundation pages. This will happen ‘soon’, honoured to have Philip Carr Gomm speak about his Druid depending on our audio typing abilities! Plant Oracle divination pack. Ronald Hutton came to talk ! Bish and Koo about the differences between Wicca and Druidry. Bobcat led a discussion on the Druidic metaphysics, the soul, spirit and Tenbury Wells Mistletoe Festival consciousness. Carolyn Hillyer gave a workshop on connecting with ancestral flows through chants and drums. The Tenbury Wells Mistletoe Festival again takes place in Kris Hughes spoke of the importance of heritage. Little late November and the first weeks of December, with the Raven, with Brochfael in his Iron Age garb, gave a great talk main events taking place on National Mistletoe Day, 1 on his vision of the Brythonic tradition. Glennie Kindred December. Tenbury Wells was severely flooded earlier this utterly charmed many with her understandings of plants, year, and the town is determined to prove it's 'business as cycles and rituals. Mark Williams shared his understanding of usual' at the festival. More information will be posted as it's the gods. Rob Wilson spoke about the crucial issue of available, but the Druid Blessing of this year's harvest will connection to the land and the ancestors. Amidst the talks, take place in Church Street, and the members of the Druid walks and workshops, the beautiful Jade Hamzelou played her Mistletoe Foundation will also take part in the crowning of harp and sang in the cafe; there was circle dancing with the Mistletoe Queen. Workshops are planned by Stefan Diamid and the camp band; Graham Butcher taught Stav, the Seniuk and Paul Newman in the afternoon. Watch this space! Nordic martial arts. And check the sites on the Links page too. With the dark moon approaching, on Thursday night, a group gathered with Mark Graham for a Druid sweatlodge. At the other side of the site, many of the camp dressed up and danced to the wild drums around the fire, honouring the dark gods, before moving into the marquee where DJ Jon played us Inconsistencies a session of trance dance tracks. It’s Indian Summer once again On Friday lunchtime, in the cafe, Ronald Hutton, Sarah my thoughts turn inward, Allen, Mark Graham and Bobcat entertained the crowd with a I worry I may lack consistency Question Time for the Gods. Cathi Yarrow played the as the dark half of the year begins. compere, taking questions from the crowd, to put to the Around me the world becomes haggish, mercurial, sensuous and pugnacious gods. a kaleidoscope of wonders On Friday night, Paul Mitchell gave us a wonderful gig of foretelling the wisdom of this season. his biting satirical songs. Carolyn Hillyer and Nigel Shaw gave a magical performance of their music, with tracks taken While I begin my own spiritual harvest from their albums Exile and Drum Songs from the Heathen Awaiting the few hours I will spend Hills. On Saturday, we were honoured by stand up comedy between the worlds with my ancestors. from Will Hodgson and Anna Keirle and the uncompromising I stop to enjoy the golden harvest, pumpkins Pagan folk rock of The Dolmen. and Indian corn sheaves decorate roadside stands. I listen to weathered faces of Farmers The Lammas Games sharing their round lush harvest with strangers The Lammas Games this year was another great testament to passing along their childhood stories with each the hard work and generosity of the Druid community. Rainbow coloured ear of corn Despite the wet weather of the Summer, the rain held off and Seeds for the coming generations. once again the Lammas Games was baked in the harvest sun. We raised approximately £2,300, with £1,000 donated to the October is a snapshot of the Gaia’s perfection. Helen and Douglas House Children’s Hospice, £450 donated Chilly and brooding; just what she wanted to The Barn Owl Trust, £450 donated to the Plant Life it all to look like, forever. Or at least, International and £400 to the wonderful ferrets. just long enough to entice winter roses into blooming. The Lammas Games will be taking a break for 2008. But I think she too may lack consistency of seasons. However the Spear of Lugh Eisteddfod will be taking place at Druid Camp, which will be held over the Lammas weekend. ! Judith Prueitt, Texas 10/09/07 ! Rob Wilson, Lammas Games Coordinator 7 events

http://druidnetwork.org Monday 5 November 2007, 7.00pm to 9.00pm October Talk - Bardic Mysteries Thursday 25 October 2007, 7.30pm to 10.30pm Nuneaton Spiritual Centre, Bond Street, Nuneaton, Warks. (then the fourth Thursday of every month) Information: Ron on 01327 871030 Ancient Songs, Modern Rhythyms - A Pagan Drum Circle Saturday 10 November 2007, noon Addington Village Hall, Addington, Nr West Malling, Kent. The Gorsedd of Bards of Caer Abiri - Samhain Gathering Open to all who wish to join us to mark the changing , Wiltshire. seasons, festivals and the spirit of the wild land. Bring a Muster at noon beside the Café before making the God and drum and/or rattle and join us with Ancient Songs and Goddess walks to the Sun Circle. This is an open Gorsedd Modern Rhythms. £4. that welcomes all who come with good intent whatever their Information: Rob Wilson at www.woodspirit.org.uk personal path. Do feel free to bring your songs and poetry, as Saturday 27 October 2007 well as contributions of bread and mead if you wish. But The Well Under the Sea - Talk and Workshop most of all bring your heart. Mind, Body, Soul Exhibition, Kensington Olympia, London. Information: Morgan on 01458 835518 Talk: The Well Under the Sea (the latest Windsmith novel) Workshop: Unlocking the Imagination - creative writing workshop. Day ticket £8/£6 concs. December and onwards Information: exhibition website www.mbsevents.co.uk, Saturday 1 December 2007, 10.00am to 4.00pm phone 01787 224040 or email [email protected] Dayschool - Awaken the Bard Within Isle of Avalon Foundation, 2-4 High Street, Glastonbury. Sunday 28 October 2007, 1.30pm £60/£50 concs. Anderida Gorsedd - Samhain Ritual Information: www.isleofavalonfoundation.com or 01458 The Long Man of Wilmington, Sussex. 833933 or email [email protected] All are invited, no matter what tradition, to gather together at the Long Man of Wilmington to celebrate the turning of the Saturday 8 December 2007 season with ceremony, rites of passage, and open eisteddfod. Contest for the Bardic Chair of Caer Badon So bring flowers of the season, story, song and musical Bath, venue to be confirmed. instruments. All the family welcome. Meet in the Long Man Find out who will be the 12th Bard of Bath! car park at 1.30pm to begin our walk up to the hill figure at 2pm. Information: [email protected] Information: Damh or Cerri on 07747 011515 or Saturday 15 December 2007 www.anderidagorsedd.org The Apple and the Thorn - book launch Sunday 28 October 2007, 1.00pm The Chalice Well, Glastonbury, Somerset. Tuatha De Bridget Samhain Festival Bobcat and OakWyse will be at Chalice Well in Glastonbury Pollok Country Park, Glasgow, Scotland. for the long-awaited release of their novel, The Apple and Tuatha De Bridget is an Open Druidcraft Group in Glasgow. the Thorn. The day will include a workshop and meditations, We meet at 1pm in the Burrell Car Park and then walk through book signing, and 'meet the authors'. the woods to the Ancient Earthworks Site. After our ceremony, Information: www.theappleandthethorn.com we walk back to the Burrell and then have a warm drink, Sunday 16 December 2007 maybe something to eat in the café and some informal chat. The Gorsedd of Bards of Cor Gawr - Alban Arthan Information: Siusaidh at [email protected] or (Midwinter) Gathering http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TuathaDeBridget Stonehenge, Wiltshire. Limited access, date subject to alteration. Tickets will be on November sale to TDN members only from 1 October and to all comers from 1 November. Please order early to avoid Thursday 1 November 2007, 7.30pm disappointment! Tickets available only in advance. £2 each. The Kingley Order of Druids - Samhain Rite Kingley Vale, West Sussex, meeting at West Stoke car park. Information: http://druidnetwork.org/contact/Cor+Gawr+Tickets We hold regular open rites celebrating the turning of the Sunday 16 December 2007, 1.00pm year, and new friends are always welcome! Samhain ritual Tuatha De Bridget Early Midwinter Festival and eisteddfod/talking stick. If you wish to bring drums or Pollok Country Park, Glasgow, Scotland. instruments then please do. This will be a candlelit rite Information: Siusaidh at [email protected] or within the canopy of the ancient Yews; you are invited to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TuathaDeBridget bring with you hanging tea lights and pumpkins too! All will have the opportunity to lay offerings within our circle, so Monday 17 December 2007, 7.00pm please bring perishable goods only. Winter Solstice Celebration Information: Moonwatcher at [email protected], St James, Piccadilly, London. £10/5. Oakenstaff [email protected] or Information: www.alternatives.org.uk http://groups.msn.com/KingleyOrderofDruids Sunday 23 December 2007, 1.30pm Sunday 4 November 2007, noon Anderida Gorsedd - Winter Solstice Ritual The Gorsedd of Rhiannon and the White Horse Samhain Rite The Long Man of Wilmington, Sussex. The White Horse at Uffington. We meet in the Long Man car park at 1.30pm to begin our We will meet in the main car park at the White Horse around walk up to the hill figure at 2pm. noon and then proceed to the area around Dragon Hill where Information: Damh or Cerri on 07747 011515 or the Gorsedd will be held. For those who are unable to www.anderidagorsedd.org manage the walk we'll lay on cars to ferry you to the bottom Sunday 3 February 2008, 1.00pm of Dragon Hill. Bardic initiation and handfastings offered if Tuatha De Bridget Imbolc Festival required. Contributions for the informal eisteddfod (songs, Pollok Country Park, Glasgow, Scotland poems, stories) will be very welcome. Information: Siusaidh at [email protected] or Information: Kestrel at [email protected] http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TuathaDeBridget

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