The O.B.O.D.

[Wyld Wytch]

Just a note to see if anyone has had any relationship with this group, and what their opinions are of it. I just rencently spent some time browsing over their material, and it looked alright. Then again there is so much controversy over what is actual history verses made up, who knows!

Thanks!

[Twig]

Originally posted by Wyld Wytch
Just a note to see if anyone has had any relationship with this group, and what their opinions are of it. I just rencently spent some time browsing over their material, and it looked alright. Then again there is so much controversy over what is actual history verses made up, who knows!

Thanks!

GREAT Question! I mentioned not 15 mins. ago to another member I needed to breath some life here and here you post this! ;) Bless you.



The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (O.B.O.D.) is one of the older druidic groups. Tracing our origins to 1717, and with over 7,000 members in 20 countries, with 31 local groups worldwide*

I 've checked the site out and known members. For those that are interested, here is their homepage.
http://druidry.org/index.shtml

You know what? I will ask one of their members to come here and answer your questions if theyd like! ;) who better to ask,eh?

Peace
Twig
:elf:

*Source- OBOD Homepage

[Libby]

Hi!
I participate in much of the web site work for OBOD. I can say that it is an extensive organization with members all over the planet. Founded in 1717 in England it offers a number of study courses, camps, a journal, and online chat opportunities for members.

If you wish to read more, our web page is http://www.druidry.org.

From the peace of the Grove,
Libby

[Wyld Wytch]

Well ok then, thanks for the website. I've actually already been there, joined their group and am awaiting their first package of lessons...after the intial "lessons" and info they send you. So perhaps I was a little to vague in my query about the O.B.O.D.

Basically I am a college student studying Celtic history for my doctorate...blah blah blah... I was hoping to use this course as a good grounding method by which, not to base my research, but to get me more engrossed in the already fascinating ways. I obviously have an intense interest in the area, but am not willing to waste my time reading through the material if it is just going to be fabricated reality. I don't believe the O.B.O.D. really has any firm footholding to deem people Druids or not, but I just wondered if their information was crediable and worthwhile to read...

:) Thanks!

[Libby]

Hi! Of course I am going to say "yes we do have a firm foothold." <G>. OBOD is not an iron age reconsturctionist group at all. We consider ourselves modern Druids with an approach to living that reflects the values established a very long time ago in the ancient world. We still honor the Earth, involve ourselves in ecological projects, and hold down jobs. For instance, many of the rituals that are suggested in the Gwersu that you will receive are old in their origins. There is no reason that you can not adapt them to your particular circumstances. The idea is to help an individual connect to the cosmos in the basic way that our ancestors did with a positive result.
Cheerily,
libby

[Nina]

I'm sure we will all appreciate your input. Our resident Druid Dad, Twig, (I hope he doesn't mind me calling him that!!!) has given you a fanfare welcome! Druidry is an area of Nature Spirituality I have not studied, but I have bookmarked the OBOD site and will have fun browsing. Nice to see you here!

[Twig]

Ok to get the ball rolling :rotfl: I notice you have separate groves thrughout the US. (none in Portland tho ;) )

How are those structured? Also, what is involved in starting one? I imagine there would at least be paperwork, etc. eh?
Thanx!
Peace
Twig
:elf:

[Libby]

Hi!
https://www.druidry.org/obod/maps/us.html is a link to a map showing some of the Seed Groups and Groves in the US. If you are interested you could write to office@obod.co.uk for any contacts in the Portland area.

In OBOD it is easy to form a Seed Group. It only requires 2 members to regularly meet. A Grove needs to have at least one Druid Grade member and honor the 8 major festivals. None of the groups are "official" since it is impossible for the office to monitor so many world wide. Some of these exist in cyber space and have been very rewarding for the participants. One of the things I have noticed though is that everyone seems to have a great time socially, acdemically, and ritualistically!

Cheerily,
Libby