Questions about OBOD's course

[Wolfhide]

I didnt know about the parental consent, but now that I think about it, its logical and understandable. I was talking to my mother, who happens to be a Methodist practioner, and we came to the conclusion to ask my mentor. I have a friend whom I've known for 5-6 years. She runs a metaphysical shoppe originally called Enchanted, now entitles Enchanted Journey, and since I first walked into her shoppe she's given me guidance and direction along my path, introducing me to new experiences and different fields of study to look into. Because of her I have a well rounded knowledge about Shamanism, Druidistic practice, Wiccan practice, Reiki, Yoga, Past life regression..etc. etc. We've consulted her and I'm now awaiting her reply, but my mother and I came to the understanding that she'll allow the practice in her household as long as I dont summon Satan into her house and I dont turn the house into a jungle of plant spirits, at which I had to laugh.

I'm working on educating my mother about the OBOD course...and I've strongly considered the idea that I maybe should just be a teenager. But then I thought that our teenage years are a time to find ourselves so that we can progress through our lives. And I still find comfort in the fact that I can put it aside till I feel comfortable with current events again. I really thank you all sooooo much. You've really made this decision so much easier for me and I'm sure any other young individuals who might run across this page.

Thanks be to you all!

[Lily]

I think it will be best for you to order the intro pack, and perhaps discuss it with your mother. She is open enough to let you work on the subjects you described? Then OBOD is just fine...

[Creirwy]

Druidic Wolf, I just wanted to add a comment as a parent of a teenage member who is also finishing up high school and getting ready to go the University in August. She started the course. She got through the introductory materials and then decided that she really needed to just be a teenager. The course is here for her when she is ready for it, and there is no reason for her to pick it up or go further than she wants to at any time. Whatever you do, don't stress about it. Take your time to savour it.

Well wolfhide as someone who was a teenager when I first got the bardic course I dabbled in it and then went off to uni and do the 'be a teenager thing' but there was lots of deep issues going on with me which I was ignoring because of going to uni and so when I went I had a bit of a meltdown - but coming home and having the course there gave me a way of processing and exploring myself and be a teenager. Just because your doing the course doesnt mean you cant PARTY! (infact I think knowing how to party is lesson 1 of druidry lol).

I agree with Lily, get the intro packet. And its fab to hear your folks are so open to it as well! Good luck with your journey, where-ever it takes you!

[Wolfhide]

Just because your doing the course doesnt mean you cant PARTY! (infact I think knowing how to party is lesson 1 of druidry lol).

Lol...that just peaks my enthusiasm further. I considered ordering the intro package, then settled on just flat out ordering the full course 1. But since more people than not point me in the direction of gettign the intro package prior to starting the course, I'll try that route and order the package at the end of the week.

[wiltshirewillo]

As someone interested in taking the course myself I've found this thread extremely helpful.
I'm going to wait until after the summer before I start but think I'll order the Introductory pack beforehand.
In the meantime i'm enjoying reading books and talking to others.
I've heard so much praise for OBOD and look forward to becoming more involved myself.

[ak_kiter]

Good evening all, this is my first post on this web site as i just signed up tonight. I do have to admit at feeling a bit overwhelmed by the coming information, but I feel highly encouraged by reading the previous posts. I do hope this will stop my wandering soul . . . I was baptised Roman Catholic but have not followed its teachings . . . . the unfortunate truth is that the RC religion has a bloody past and I was dismayed to learn as such while studying history in high school and college. I looked at Wicca via a close friend a few years back and could not 'get into it'. After considerable reading about the Druidic teachings, i found that something inside me cried a sigh of relief that I finally found a vehicle to let my spirituality fly. I look forward to my first course to open up so i can take that first big step into a revitalized me. Thank you for creating this web site to be that condiut! My apologies for this being slightly off topic, but i had to get this elephant sized sense of joy and expectation off of my chest!

Cheers!

[Selene]

Welcome, al_kiter! Glad we can help! Please make yourself at home and feel free to join in the discussions in the various fora. And if you have any questions, we're glad to try to help you find the answers.

Blessings,
Selene

[Dryadia2]

Greetings and Welcome, ak_kiter!

Sit back, relax, have a look around, and enjoy your stay!
Feel free to introduce yourself in The Pub, if you wish. :
viewforum.php?f=5

Peace and Blessings,
/|\

[OllieKing]

Is it possible for those who are under 16 to get the introductory package? Considering that I have just over a year to wait before I can start to course, would it be worth getting the package this early?

[Corvin]

xx

[Art]

Is there an inclination or preference to allow progression to other grades provided one gets a tutor? If cases where one chooses not to, what is the criteria to used measure. Whatever you decide to say is appreciated.

I'm not entirely sure what you're asking. If the question is whether or not progression to the other grades is required; the answer is no.

[Corvin]

Thanks Art. OK, here goes again... If one does not have a tutor how is a decision on progression (to the next grade) made. I am also interested in how it works if one has a tutor.

[Selene]

Ollie, I don't know, but I doubt it. Here's what the main site says about the age limits:

To join the Order and take the course you must be at least 18 years of age. In exceptional circumstances we can accept enrolments from students who are 16 or 17, but their enrolment must be accompanied by a letter from a parent or guardian confirming that they are happy for them to be taking the course. We appreciate that many younger people would like to take the course, but over the years we have found that the material presented simply cannot be assimilated by those under 16.

The only way to find out is to write the office and ask!

Corvin,
That's a question to ask of your tutor (if you have one) or the tutor coordinator (if you don't). There's an FAQ thread in Bards about getting a tutor if you need the info (http://www.druidry.org/board/dhp/viewto ... 13&t=15147).

[patch]

Hi. I'm seriously considering doing the bardic course, and I might get the introductory package in the near future. I'm enjoying the board so far!

My question is this: I know it is often said that this course is compatible with other religions, but to what extent?
I know that lots of people here either work with the celtic pantheon or a more neopagan god/godess approach. I don't; I honour the greek pantheon. In fact, it was a particular god that made me think about applying for the course (A story best for another thread).
Will the course and rituals require alot of tweaking as a result of this?

Thanks,
Patch

[Mneme]

Hi Patch,

The Bardic Course makes reference to Celtic stuff, but you won't need to change a lot to appeal to a particular pantheon unless you're really a purist. If mixing Celtic references with, say, the Greek pantheon bugs you, you might find it a little irksome now and then. However, the Course was designed for a broad audience with a lot of different views on religion in mind, so it is fairly neutral in orientation. Of course I'll admit that I'm biased (I've taken the Course already), but I think the spiritual orientation of the Course won't be what grabs your attention about it.

Saludos,
Mneme

[feithline]

I am eagerly awaiting my first package to arrive. I think it's only been a couple of days since I sent my first payment, so I have no right to be this impatient, but I am feeling really excited, and eager to get started. Does anyone have any suggestions with regards to something I can do while I'm waiting so I don't go out of my mind with the waiting? I'm generally pretty even keeled, but I have to admit that I feel an awful lot like a kid before Christmas. I think I'm driving my husband around the bend.

I have been listening to DruidCast. I'm on episode 12 (I started at the beginning, three days ago), and that's helping a lot, but I'd like something tangible to do.

Help?

Oh...and I live in Canada...how long can expect to wait?

[Jingle]

Did you get the intro pack first? Those are always a good start.
The other thing to do is peruse some of the thoughts in the main site www.druidry.org
There is a lot of information there that isn't easy to find. For example if you are looking for information on a specific tree, or festival, you can type it in the search box there and it can bring you to the most interesting places...

[Lily]

Go shopping for a journal for your course.

It's not that you are obliged to have one (nay, I wouldn't dare to ever reveal any particulars of the course) but I felt it was great to have one.

[feithline]

Ohhhh.....

I'm known around here as the 'notebook geek'. My husband humours my obvious addiction to notebooks, journals, etc. This is the perfect excuse to indulge yet again! Would you suggest a lined or an unlined journal?

[Merlyn]

As far as I knew, having been through the course you may need a tutor if you want to progress to the next grade in the OBOD course. That, however was some years ago, and things may have changed. Best to ask Susan or the main office.
If you are a member there are forums with information and discussions in the members only forums that might help.