INTRoDucTIONS: How old are you and where do you live...? Con

[twilightspirit]

Hi, all!

Well, it's about time I posted, I think. I started the Bardic grade about a year ago, and honestly, have been pretty lazy about it for about 6 months. It's time, though.

In any case, I'm Spirit. I'm on the verge on 28, living in Hampton Roads, VA. It's not my ideal place, but you work with what you've got, right? I'd much rather be in the mountains - I'm just not a coastal girl.

I was raised primarily in the foothills of Tennessee. I can't help but smile when I think back on it. I had such an odd upbringing, in the scheme of my surroundings. We lived in a tiny, converted dairy barn, with a huge garden, a great climbing tree I spent 70% of my time in, and plenty of space to roam and imagine. What really made it special, though, is we always had a tribal existence there. There was hardly a weekend we didn't have adopted family camped out in the livingroom, nights were filled with bonfires and fresh food from the garden. I spent so much time sitting beside the fire, listening to my elders tell stories that it really is no wonder I ended up here.

I've been searching for my path as long as I've known there was such a thing, and I hope I always will be searching, learning and discovering. My parents never forced me to choose, and I thank them for that. I started, I suppose, as many do here, with Wicca. It was lovely while it lasted, but I was always restless and vaguely (sometimes not so) discontent with it. It served the purpose, though, of ultimately introducing me to a man who is now a close family friend and someone I trust, respect and revere enough to look to for spiritual guidance, which is a lot coming from a headstrong individual.

About two years ago, our little neighborhood was hit with a tornado. It was totally unexpected for this area, and we are truly lucky that we got off so easily. I'd been going through a rough time as it was, and that evening, standing there in the fading light with my mother, staring at the damage, struggling with it as the knowledge of the destruction all around and the life lost not a quarter of a mile down our dirt road, I knew something in my life had to change. I was headed in the right way, but I needed something... more. It took me a while to realize what that change should be, but here I am.

Hoping you're all having a wonderful winter's day!

-Spirit

[Michael C. Page]

Hello! Today is my first day as a member of OBOD and i am very happy for this! My name is Chara, i am 25 years old and i live in Athens Greece! Blessed be!

Well Hello Chara! Welcome to the OBOD Board and the Order . Have you signed up for the Member’s forums yet? If not, just see this link: OBODforumaccess@druidry.org In the mean time, make yourself at home and if you need anything just ask.

Yours in the Grove,
Michael

[Michael C. Page]

Hi, all!

Well, it's about time I posted, I think. I started the Bardic grade about a year ago, and honestly, have been pretty lazy about it for about 6 months. It's time, though.

In any case, I'm Spirit. I'm on the verge on 28, living in Hampton Roads, VA. It's not my ideal place, but you work with what you've got, right? I'd much rather be in the mountains - I'm just not a coastal girl.

I was raised primarily in the foothills of Tennessee. I can't help but smile when I think back on it. I had such an odd upbringing, in the scheme of my surroundings. We lived in a tiny, converted dairy barn, with a huge garden, a great climbing tree I spent 70% of my time in, and plenty of space to roam and imagine. What really made it special, though, is we always had a tribal existence there. There was hardly a weekend we didn't have adopted family camped out in the livingroom, nights were filled with bonfires and fresh food from the garden. I spent so much time sitting beside the fire, listening to my elders tell stories that it really is no wonder I ended up here.

I've been searching for my path as long as I've known there was such a thing, and I hope I always will be searching, learning and discovering. My parents never forced me to choose, and I thank them for that. I started, I suppose, as many do here, with Wicca. It was lovely while it lasted, but I was always restless and vaguely (sometimes not so) discontent with it. It served the purpose, though, of ultimately introducing me to a man who is now a close family friend and someone I trust, respect and revere enough to look to for spiritual guidance, which is a lot coming from a headstrong individual.

About two years ago, our little neighborhood was hit with a tornado. It was totally unexpected for this area, and we are truly lucky that we got off so easily. I'd been going through a rough time as it was, and that evening, standing there in the fading light with my mother, staring at the damage, struggling with it as the knowledge of the destruction all around and the life lost not a quarter of a mile down our dirt road, I knew something in my life had to change. I was headed in the right way, but I needed something... more. It took me a while to realize what that change should be, but here I am.

Hoping you're all having a wonderful winter's day!

-Spirit

Welcome to the OBOD Board Spirit. We are very glad you came! As with Chara, I noticed that you have not yet signed up for the Member's Forums. To do this just click here: OBODforumaccess@druidry.org Now, if you need anything or have any questions just shout.

Blessings of strength and healing to you and your family during this time of trial.

Yours in the Grove,
Michael

[KarmaTherapies]

Hi All

im Liz

Iv been pagan since I was 11, and have been walking a shamanic druidry path since I was about 14/15. Im Fam trad, my mums side of the family are Pagan, so i was lucky enough to be brought up with this amazing way of life. Im naturally a member of the same grove as my relatives and have been so for about 7/8 years now. Iv recently signed up to the OBOD course, as recent as last night, as both myself and my mum are looking for something a little more structured in some ways, we love our grove (POD) and would never stop being grove members it really is in our hearts and soul but were looking to widen our circle again. We had a pagan shop that we had to close due to the wall falling down and then the economic climate plunged and its just not been a viable time to sign a lease for new premesis so mum trotted off into the work of muggles and I worked mobile as a therapist until I was recently disabled.

Im 27 with three children and one step daughter, I have an amazing parter who isnt pagan.... although is asking more and more questions. We really just miss the whole pagan lifestyle on a daily basis, all the camps and so on really (as had to take a back seat from the camps for a while with adapting to my new physical way of life) although in many ways it has left me with tons of time to pick up books and embark on new adventures.

I currently do blessingways and other rites of passage within my community which i absolutely love dearly... I can always find some piccys of some of the blessingways as they are amazing pictures tbh.... (blessingways are rites to mark the transition from maiden to motherhood- but you prob all already know that). My two older children are currently also studying, they have always joined in rituals (off their own backs never forced!) and recently my 9 year old asked whether she could help more during rituals actively, and help during the blessingways (shes been my fetcher and carrier lol) however shes quickly learning about herbs, making incenses and so on from having to help me with everything bless her, iv never been prouder, so when she asked if she could learn more i quickly got out my pen and paper and rustled together a child friendly pagan sunday school... my 8 year old son was soon desp to join in too.... so we have done the elements- which was amazing- they put on a great display of their work for the grove, and now we are onto animal sprits/medicine/totems.... and ironically the animals they chose really reflected where they are on their journey as well as their personalities, when talking about the elements they were so intuitive I was bursting with pride at my psychic bambinos!

So huge ramble and introduction later it is great to join the forum/message boards and meet you all... I signed up and paid for the bards course last night so fully fledged fledgling on board and my mother is going to pay her additional £25 on pay day lol to embark on the journey with me.

Hope to meet you at some of the camps also however have to see how my joints and treatments go before I can make those steps.

Thanks for having us, great to meet you

Blessed Be
Liz (& Pat) (& Podlings)xxx

[Michael C. Page]

Hello Liz,

Welcome to the OBOD Board. All the very best wishes to you and your family.

Michael

[DaveSlater]

Hi folks

Figure I better say hello seeing as I'll be hanging around here quite a bit!

I've been on a spiritual journey for the best part of 20yrs (some would say I have been all my life but this is when I became aware of it!)

I signed up for my Bardic course in May 2010 but life got in the way over the last couple of years and I never got very far with it
This year however I've decided that I'm going to make it my focus and to that end have also decided to finally learn to play the acoustic guitar so I can become a better Bard

I aim in time to complete all the levels but I don't think I got the distinctness of each grade first time round and why they are focussed in such a way
This time I believe I have a better understanding and am finding it is meshing with my life a lot easier

Blessings to you all
Dave

[Lon Dubh]

Hi everyone,
I'm Lon, I'm 33 years old and live in the beautiful city of Granada (Spain). I grow with an atheist education with my spiritual needs covered by martial arts and meditation. But, a few years ago I met my beloved wife, who is anthropologist and a Wiccan High Priestess, and at the same time I started to study a psychology degree. These two situations combined change my mind about how people doesn't give a purpose and a usefull meaning to the simbols that rule their lives.

So, I started to investigate about my own spirituality and after some time I realised that the path of Druidry is the one who fits with my concerns about the world, the community and myself.

And... here I am starting the Bardic grade!

Some other random information about me: I have two black cats, I started to play the violin one year ago (my neighbours were not happy about that ) and I love videogames.

It will be a pleasure to be part of this community,

See you in the forum!

PS: I'd like to apologize about my english language writing, I'll improve it as soon as posible..

[Michael C. Page]

Hi folks

Figure I better say hello seeing as I'll be hanging around here quite a bit!

I've been on a spiritual journey for the best part of 20yrs (some would say I have been all my life but this is when I became aware of it!)

I signed up for my Bardic course in May 2010 but life got in the way over the last couple of years and I never got very far with it
This year however I've decided that I'm going to make it my focus and to that end have also decided to finally learn to play the acoustic guitar so I can become a better Bard

I aim in time to complete all the levels but I don't think I got the distinctness of each grade first time round and why they are focussed in such a way
This time I believe I have a better understanding and am finding it is meshing with my life a lot easier

Blessings to you all
Dave

Hi Dave Welcome to the Board. Just remember that it's not about completing the Grades, but rather, finding a feeling of Completeness within yourself.

All the very best wishes,
Michael

[Michael C. Page]

Hi everyone,
I'm Lon, I'm 33 years old and live in the beautiful city of Granada (Spain). I grow with an atheist education with my spiritual needs covered by martial arts and meditation. But, a few years ago I met my beloved wife, who is anthropologist and a Wiccan High Priestess, and at the same time I started to study a psychology degree. These two situations combined change my mind about how people doesn't give a purpose and a usefull meaning to the simbols that rule their lives.

So, I started to investigate about my own spirituality and after some time I realised that the path of Druidry is the one who fits with my concerns about the world, the community and myself.

And... here I am starting the Bardic grade!

Some other random information about me: I have two black cats, I started to play the violin one year ago (my neighbours were not happy about that ) and I love videogames.

It will be a pleasure to be part of this community,

See you in the forum!

PS: I'd like to apologize about my english language writing, I'll improve it as soon as posible..

Welcome to the Board and the Order Lon When you are ready to sign up for the Member's Forums, just click here: OBODforumaccess@druidry.org

Bright Blessings upon your journey,
MIchael

[Jen Oak]

Hi,

My name is Jennie Ocken (pronounced Oak-en like the tree) and I am from Iowa in the United States. I am 30 and married. I have a dog (Welsh Corgi name Chloe) and a cat (black stray named Orpheus). I make jewelry, stained glass, paint and write. Currently, I am brewing Sake in my home office. I just completed my MBA and my undergrad degree was in Creative Writing and Theatre. So, that gives you a sense of my eccentricity.

I have self-identified as following the Druid Way since I was 12. I don't remember how I became aware of the Druid Way, it just always seemed to be a part of me. I just started the Bardic course as a way to incorporate my faith more into my life. I have been feeling my creativity slipping away since I left school and its about time I did something about that. I think I have read about half the druidry.org website over the last month and am really excited to get into the Gwersi.

Glad to be here and would love to hear from others in the Midwestern US especially.

Thanks,
Jennie

[thaddeus]

Hello once again!

I Just wanted to re-announce myself on here. a lot has changed but yet has stayed the same. I remember making a few good connections on here when I was very active on the board. Unfortunately due to things that came up in my life I had been distracted. I kept what I learned from everyone here close to my heart and am eager to come back and pick up where I had left off. so after being gone for a few years, I am back!

So I will "see" all of you on the boards. and I hope everyone is having a great new year so far

[Michael C. Page]

Hi,

My name is Jennie Ocken (pronounced Oak-en like the tree) and I am from Iowa in the United States. I am 30 and married. I have a dog (Welsh Corgi name Chloe) and a cat (black stray named Orpheus). I make jewelry, stained glass, paint and write. Currently, I am brewing Sake in my home office. I just completed my MBA and my undergrad degree was in Creative Writing and Theatre. So, that gives you a sense of my eccentricity.

I have self-identified as following the Druid Way since I was 12. I don't remember how I became aware of the Druid Way, it just always seemed to be a part of me. I just started the Bardic course as a way to incorporate my faith more into my life. I have been feeling my creativity slipping away since I left school and its about time I did something about that. I think I have read about half the druidry.org website over the last month and am really excited to get into the Gwersi.

Glad to be here and would love to hear from others in the Midwestern US especially.

Thanks,
Jennie

Hello Jennie Welcome to the Board and many bright blessings to you and your family.

MIchael

[Michael C. Page]

Hello once again!

I Just wanted to re-announce myself on here. a lot has changed but yet has stayed the same. I remember making a few good connections on here when I was very active on the board. Unfortunately due to things that came up in my life I had been distracted. I kept what I learned from everyone here close to my heart and am eager to come back and pick up where I had left off. so after being gone for a few years, I am back!

So I will "see" all of you on the boards. and I hope everyone is having a great new year so far

Welcome back thaddeus.

[Aphritha]

Hi,

My name is Jennie Ocken (pronounced Oak-en like the tree) and I am from Iowa in the United States. I am 30 and married. I have a dog (Welsh Corgi name Chloe) and a cat (black stray named Orpheus). I make jewelry, stained glass, paint and write. Currently, I am brewing Sake in my home office. I just completed my MBA and my undergrad degree was in Creative Writing and Theatre. So, that gives you a sense of my eccentricity.

I have self-identified as following the Druid Way since I was 12. I don't remember how I became aware of the Druid Way, it just always seemed to be a part of me. I just started the Bardic course as a way to incorporate my faith more into my life. I have been feeling my creativity slipping away since I left school and its about time I did something about that. I think I have read about half the druidry.org website over the last month and am really excited to get into the Gwersi.

Glad to be here and would love to hear from others in the Midwestern US especially.

Thanks,
Jennie

I don't usually read this thread but was randomly compelled to do so...I too am from Iowa. Great to meet you! Whereabouts are you? I'm in Waterloo.

[thaddeus]

Thank you very much Michael Page!

I just wanted to make another note: I'm living in New Hampshire these days. Anyone else from around this state?

[Michael C. Page]

Thank you very much Michael Page!

I just wanted to make another note: I'm living in New Hampshire these days. Anyone else from around this state?

Your welcome thaddeus And please feel free to post a "Anyone from New Hampshire" Thread in the Hearthfire. More people will see it that way.

Cheers,
Michael

[dpkhandro]

Hello, Dear Ones, How happy I am to have found you!

My name is Deborah. I live near Boulder, Colorado, USA. I am 54 years old and my religious/spiritual path has taken many odd twists and turns throughout my life. I am a nurse, herbalist and acupuncturist. Recently, I have been feeling more and more connected to my ancestors, particularly my Great Grandmother who was a Wise Woman healer and midwife. Others in the family were evidently afraid of her, since after her death her Book of Shadows was burned and her divining bones were buried in a secret location. How I wish I could have read what was in that book, but she died before I was born. So this year, I have started my own "Physick" book in tribute to her. But I kept bumping up against the fact that I am not of the Wiccan path, but a Buddhist who has felt that there was still something missing for me.

Lately, I have been taking all these various online quizzes to tell me what "religion" I am, but nothing really fit...until today when I stumbled upon your website and felt very deep in my bones that I was finally home. Of course! Of course! And I get it that this is not really a religion, but a way of living in peace and harmony on this beautiful planet. No wonder those quizzes couldn't help me!

I am so grateful to have found this site and to finally have a point of reference.

Wishing all of you deep and many blessings of bird song and budding trees, starlight and moon drops, kindness and belonging,

Deborah

PS: I used to play with Flower Faeries in my grandmother's garden when I was small. If anyone knows how I can get in touch with them again, please let me know!

[Michael C. Page]

Hello, Dear Ones, How happy I am to have found you!

My name is Deborah. I live near Boulder, Colorado, USA. I am 54 years old and my religious/spiritual path has taken many odd twists and turns throughout my life. I am a nurse, herbalist and acupuncturist. Recently, I have been feeling more and more connected to my ancestors, particularly my Great Grandmother who was a Wise Woman healer and midwife. Others in the family were evidently afraid of her, since after her death her Book of Shadows was burned and her divining bones were buried in a secret location. How I wish I could have read what was in that book, but she died before I was born. So this year, I have started my own "Physick" book in tribute to her. But I kept bumping up against the fact that I am not of the Wiccan path, but a Buddhist who has felt that there was still something missing for me.

Lately, I have been taking all these various online quizzes to tell me what "religion" I am, but nothing really fit...until today when I stumbled upon your website and felt very deep in my bones that I was finally home. Of course! Of course! And I get it that this is not really a religion, but a way of living in peace and harmony on this beautiful planet. No wonder those quizzes couldn't help me!

I am so grateful to have found this site and to finally have a point of reference.

Wishing all of you deep and many blessings of bird song and budding trees, starlight and moon drops, kindness and belonging,

Deborah

PS: I used to play with Flower Faeries in my grandmother's garden when I was small. If anyone knows how I can get in touch with them again, please let me know!

Hello Deborah Welcome to the OBOD Board. Make yourself at home.

Bright Blessings,
Michael

[sue d]

Hello, my name is Sue and I am from Bristol I am in my Crone Years and feel very blessed to be at this point of my life journey

I have felt drawn towards the Druid Path in recent months and I am begining to explore more through reading about this way of living a more connected life to Nature and the otherworld as well as my fellow human beings

I have been to a couple of the Stanton Drew Open Ceremonys and I would like to be able to contact the Dobunni Grove to see if they would accept be as a new member but do not know how to get in contact with them direct - can anyone help me with an email contact or tel no?

I should also say that we are moving to Snowdonia, hopefully in the next couple of months as soon as our house sells and will be living near Arenig Fawr, between Bala and Trawfawnedd so if there are any OBOD members who live near there or in Snowdonia I would love to meet up when I have made the move to North Wales

Sue

[Michael C. Page]

Hello, my name is Sue and I am from Bristol I am in my Crone Years and feel very blessed to be at this point of my life journey

I have felt drawn towards the Druid Path in recent months and I am begining to explore more through reading about this way of living a more connected life to Nature and the otherworld as well as my fellow human beings

I have been to a couple of the Stanton Drew Open Ceremonys and I would like to be able to contact the Dobunni Grove to see if they would accept be as a new member but do not know how to get in contact with them direct - can anyone help me with an email contact or tel no?

I should also say that we are moving to Snowdonia, hopefully in the next couple of months as soon as our house sells and will be living near Arenig Fawr, between Bala and Trawfawnedd so if there are any OBOD members who live near there or in Snowdonia I would love to meet up when I have made the move to North Wales

Sue

Welcome to the OBOD Board Sue. All the very best wishes to you and family and I hope your move is smooth.

Michael