Questions about OBOD's course

[skh]

The one brown envelope that I kept doesn't have a return address on it, just a tree in the upper right corner of the address label But maybe someone else could have a look at theirs and confirm it.

And yes, you can always contact the office (office@druidry.org), they are real people and quite friendly in my experience, and the only ones who can really help you in that respect.

/|\
Sonja

[Lizzy]

The one brown envelope that I kept doesn't have a return address on it, just a tree in the upper right corner of the address label But maybe someone else could have a look at theirs and confirm it.

Confirmed!

[Froggy]

Thank you so much!

[goldylox]

Thank you so much for posting archane. The reply's have been very helpful to me as I am another person still testing the water of druidism to see If I am ready to get in and swim. I would like more information about the whole to call or not to call yourself a druid question. I was wondering if someone engages in neo druidism as a philosophy or a spirituality and dont call themselves druids what do they call themselves? If you dont go through a corse and just call yourself a druid will you be desrespected for giving yourself this title in the druid community? Is their any sort of initation that you can use when accepting the title of druid or taking on a neo druid philosophy/religion? And lastly what is a good starter book for someone with a lot of questions about druid practice, religion, philosophy and way of life?

[Lizzy]

And lastly what is a good starter book for someone with a lot of questions about druid practice, religion, philosophy and way of life?

Druid Mysteries by Philip Carr Gomm comes to mind. Druid Mysteries

[Lupa]

Hallo all. I'm interested in learning more about different ways of life. What I have read from the forum leads me to think I would be happy following the path of druidry but I have very little information or knowledge on anything other than christianity which is not something I feel I have ties with. Annnyway, is there anywhere to find out more information on the ovate and druid aspects of the course. The price for the bard aspect is easily available but I can't find any information on how much it will cost if you wish to progress. Before I embark on the bard course I will read the above book, but can anyone recommend any other general reading to give insight into other paths. I have no friends or relatives that have any knowledge so at the moment this is my only resource for information, in fact I would have little support at home other than comments like dippy hippy lol.

[Lorraine]

Lupa, I can only speak for Ovate but I don't think it's any more than the cost of the bardic course and if I remember clearly it's a bit cheaper. The ovate course is text-based at the moment but I think there are plans to bring that out as an audio version too. However, you may take years to progress from one grade to another (as has been said above, there's no requirement to spend a year on each course). Also some people may decide they want to stay as Bards, or Ovates, and not progress further.

[Celtic3Horse]

I rec'd my Intro package on 31-Oct-2007 and plan to sign up for the Bardic course as soon as possible (tax refund!) However, I do have one question first. Is poetry a requirement? I would rather be nibbled to death by a duck than read or write poetry. Love it in songs by others and story telling is okay...but please...no poetry.

[Jingle]

It's not so much about poetry as it is about creativity. Everything you do "if it feels right", and if poetry doesn't call to you that's ok, but you may find inspiration in other areas. The key, I think, is to keep an open mind.

[Crow]

I rec'd my Intro package on 31-Oct-2007 and plan to sign up for the Bardic course as soon as possible (tax refund!) However, I do have one question first. Is poetry a requirement? I would rather be nibbled to death by a duck than read or write poetry. Love it in songs by others and story telling is okay...but please...no poetry.

As Jingle said, there are no requirements that you write poetry or even like it. Actually I was once much the same, but then one day I accidentally touched a willow tree and the rest is history. So my advice would be that if you want to continue not liking poetry, stay far away from willows!

[Mijan]

I'm considering whether or not to take the course as it is. On one hand, I'm always seeking new knowledge. On the other hand, there's a significant part of me that remains sceptical about any religious/spiritual course that is given entirely in a textbook format, with no direct human instruction.

I've been reading books and practicing along this path for many years, and if I were to take a course, I'd hope to put myself to a stronger intensity of training, and I'd want to be pushed more directly. I know, I can challenge myself, etc., but it's easy to argue and agree with myself. Every argument/debate with one's self eventually ends in a stalemate, or just self-agreement. Perfect balance leads to perfect stagnation, and I find that books aren't bringing me where I wish to be. I also wonder if this course will cover a great deal of material that I already know thoroughly.

Not only have I been walking this sort of path for many years in this lifetime, I have recollection of previous experiences (just not a complete memory of everything), and it's given me a strong foundation. I'm really hoping to be challenged to a new level... and I'm unsure whether this training course will be what I need.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

If nothing else, I'm delighted to finally find a forum for discussion, even if it's using the medium of internet communication and message boards.

[Aylyn]

On the other hand, there's a significant part of me that remains sceptical about any religious/spiritual course that is given entirely in a textbook format, with no direct human instruction.

Actually, this is not the way. You can and will have a tutor assigned, someone to have contact with and discuss things about the course, so there will be human interaction. Also, there are lots of people on this message board that discuss and debate all things pertaining to the course, especially in the forums rserved for people who have subscribed to it. So IMO, there is lots of human intersction

However, if you are looking for a teacher to tell you where to go, this is not the way the course unfolds...

[Donata]

I also wonder if this course will cover a great deal of material that I already know thoroughly.

Yes, it may. It did for me, mostly in the Bard Grade. However the material was presented from a different perspective, so I found it very meaningful. It encouraged me to go within and find a different approach to what I already knew and practiced. There was always new material as well. All of it deepened my own spirituality.

From my personal experience, it was extremely worthwhile to take the course. This was after several years of studying Raja Yoga, Buddhism, and training to 3* in two Wiccan lineages.

BB
Donata (still learning)

[katsu]

I also wonder if this course will cover a great deal of material that I already know thoroughly.

Yes, it may. It did for me, mostly in the Bard Grade. However the material was presented from a different perspective, so I found it very meaningful. It encouraged me to go within and find a different approach to what I already knew and practiced. There was always new material as well. All of it deepened my own spirituality.

BB
Donata (still learning)

Same here. It made me think why I was doing some things for years now and getting some sort of idea about what was behind those things. It also made (makes) me look deep within myself and gaining important knowledge of the self.

Katsu

[serenarian]

Well I'm posting here to say that I sent off for the full course today, after rediscovering the intro package that I bought months ago. I'm really excited about starting it!

[Wraithian]

Good for you, serenarian. I'm sure you won't be dissappointed. Blessings on your path.

[Cercatore]

Speaking of the bardic course, does anyone here stateside remember about how long it took to get to your door after you ordered it? I finally saved up the cash to order it, and even though it's only been two days, I'm finding myself rushing towards the post box each afternoon

[Art]

Cercatore,

I suspect with the holidays and all you may be looking at two to three weeks for processing and for your first packet to arrive. Of course that's a wag so if it arrives at your doorstep sooner, you'll have a pleasant surprise.

Once the materials start arriving, I think you'll be able to anticipate seeing that magical brown envelope about the same time each month.

Enjoy the course!

[Cercatore]

Thanks Art,
I figured it would be a little while, I was just hoping I was wrong.

[jtoone]

Thanks Art,
I figured it would be a little while, I was just hoping I was wrong.

Hi Cercatore

I am in Maine in the US and my first package arrived within 7 days - that was without the holiday though. I am guessing it will take a little longer.

Don't worry - it's worth waiting for!