Searching for a Druid mentor

[Lucien]

Hi I'm looking for a mentor that can help my development on the Druid path. Male or female doesn't matter. Just someone experienced and willing to help. I'm hopping to find someone whom doesn't mind starting at square one with me. Feel free to ask any question you need too. Thank's for at least taking a look :D. I hope to find someone soon. :)

[skilly-nilly]

Most find that the Druid Path involves a lot of study and research.

I am a member of the ADF and they have a course of study called the Dedicant's Path. If not perfect for you, the OBOD also has a study course. The Henge of Keltria has a selection of courses, and I'm sure there are other organizations as well.

[DiscordianKitten]

I would love to study Druidism, but I'm from SA so the only option is online - and it's so expensive

[IanCorrigan]

I would love to study Druidism, but I'm from SA so the only option is online - and it's so expensive

The ADF program is quite doable on line, with several resources for mentoring and guidance.
Your basic $25 membership will get you the 150 page guide to ADF's introductory program, and a year's access to all the support lists. Like all e-mailing lists, they don't all produce gems of wisdom all the time, but the list for formal students are quite good. ADF can also sometimes provide a personal mentor, depending on availability.
There are, I believe no fees for ADF's program beyond the annual membership dues.

[TheLittleWitchy]

I am currently doing the Bardic course with The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. And I am very pleased with it, definitely worth the money if you have it. It is thought provoking and interesting.:)

[Nyxchik]

I'm also studying the Bardic grade with OBOD- they set you up with a mentor if you wish when you join. I agree about the cost, can be pricy but worth it, especially if you are starting from scratch. I found that the first several sets of lessons were very basic and 101, with a nice blend of head-work and heart-work.
I communicate with my mentor via email; she has been helpful although I have only felt the need to touch base with her a couple of times. You can request an introductory package before you decide to join, which gives you basic info about Druidry and the courses.
~nyx

[Lucien]

While those suggestions are indeed helpful, i was actually hoping that maybe there would be someone here who would be willing

[odubhain]

While those suggestions are indeed helpful, i was actually hoping that maybe there would be someone here who would be willing

Taking on a student is a big commitment. I think more opportunities would present themselves to you if you gave us more of an idea who you are. It's a gradual process of mutual understanding and dedication.

Searles O'Dubhain

[DiscordianKitten]

The ADF program is quite doable on line, with several resources for mentoring and guidance.
Your basic $25 membership will get you the 150 page guide to ADF's introductory program, and a year's access to all the support lists. Like all e-mailing lists, they don't all produce gems of wisdom all the time, but the list for formal students are quite good. ADF can also sometimes provide a personal mentor, depending on availability.
There are, I believe no fees for ADF's program beyond the annual membership dues.

Unfortunately with our exchange rate $25 is a lot of money for a South African. :(

[odubhain]

Unfortunately with our exchange rate $25 is a lot of money for a South African. :(

Maybe they could accept some service or work in return for your membership? I know that is what I do with my own fees for classes and memberships. Exchange rates can be a disadvantage but the great equalizer is that most everyone has time and can do some work and there's always work to be done.

Searles O'Dubhain

[DiscordianKitten]

Maybe they could accept some service or work in return for your membership? I know that is what I do with my own fees for classes and memberships. Exchange rates can be a disadvantage but the great equalizer is that most everyone has time and can do some work and there's always work to be done.

Searles O'Dubhain

Hmm. Are you taking any new students?

I'm interested in Druidism because the Druids were the first magic practitioners who caught my attention as a child. I grew up wanting to know everything I could about them and that fascination hasn't changed. My ancestry is extremely Celtic and I would love to learn more about my roots. The Celtic Pantheon is also the one that fascinates me the most.

On the downside, I have very little knowledge and have not managed to do much research.

[odubhain]

Hmm. Are you taking any new students?

I'm interested in Druidism because the Druids were the first magic practitioners who caught my attention as a child. I grew up wanting to know everything I could about them and that fascination hasn't changed. My ancestry is extremely Celtic and I would love to learn more about my roots. The Celtic Pantheon is also the one that fascinates me the most.

On the downside, I have very little knowledge and have not managed to do much research.

I'm pretty much time challenged right now as I'm doing "crunch time" getting a command and data handling box ready for flight testing on a new spacecraft. I'm hoping to teach an online class starting soon (but that gets impacted by mundane needs and work).

I feel like Nede mac Adne who was studying with Eochaidh in Alba. Every time Nede though he was ready to leave the school and be back out in the world, he would leave on the return journey. After a short time, he or one of his friends would find a plant, a tree or an herb, only to wonder why it was called a particular name or what its merits were. They would return to their teacher to learn what he knew of that (which was a lot). They would start off again, only to have yet another item pique their attention, requiring a return to their school.

I think studying on the Druid way is like that. We never quit learning, yet we have to stop briefly at times to discuss and teach. I have a few thousand pages of material to whip into shape before I think it would benefit students. Time has kept me from teaching another class in the past few years, yet I think I will soon teach one. I will charge for class materials and attendance, yet the charges will not be fixed in currency (unless that is convenient for the students).

Work in editing, formatting, art, ideas and discussions will gladly be accepted as a return for my own ideas and teaching. Currency also is accepted as I have my own bills to pay. I find that for every hour of teaching there are 8 hours of preparation and another 8 hours of answering and discussing involved. Dedication to the study and the Druid way are prerequisites for being in the class. It is not a task or path to be undertaken lightly. A lot of work is involved and it lasts a lifetime.

I'll post here when the class is definitely ready to begin again. All suggestions for exchange or barter of mutual work and effort will be considered. One can be poor in currency yet rich in time or ability to work, even in talents that are needed. There's no reason (excepting a lack of dedication or a desire to study/work) that should keep anyone from being a student or class member.

Searles O'Dubhain