Courses for ADO Members

In addition to providing quality healing services to the general public and interested Seekers, Avalon Sanctuary is also the proud training provider of advanced coursework for the Avalon Druid Order (ADO), an international membership community following a native Avalonian spiritual path. While ADO does provide all members the basic training needed to participate as a competent member of the spiritual community, more intensive training is needed by those who are to serve their community as Druids. Experience amply demonstrates that trying to provide advanced training within the Order tends to draw resources away from the foundation studies required by all members. Providing the advanced studies elsewhere allows the collective to focus on its prime directive (building a strong community), while also providing the focused environment  conducive to intensive study and work.

Prerequisites

ADO advanced coursework is taught by the ADO Founders, and such Core Members/Elders as are available and deemed most appropriate for each study. Studies are divided into three Disciplines (Pathwalker, Singer, Dreamer) and are presented in the most traditional setting possible.

All participants in advanced studies must be current ADO members-in-good-standing, and are expected to be able to demonstrate mastery of the foundation studies as taught within the ADO, and to have completed a Dream of Calling during which a Discipline has been confirmed by the assembled ADO Elders and accepted by the candidate. ADO members who have not completed this process may  not apply for enrolment in advanced coursework.

Purpose

Neodruidism recognizes a time in the far past when Druids held prominent places in society as teachers, healers, lawmakers, spiritual leaders, and philosophers. Unfortunately, too often modern Druidism assumes these attainments are beyond the reach of modern Druids; that the secrets of their ancestors' spiritual power are lost, or worse, that are the stuff of legend, which no living person can hope to attain. We do not subscribe to this belief.
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We believe that the only thing standing between modern Druids and reclaiming the spiritual power and authority of the past is the willingness to devote ourselves to serious, disciplined study and practice, and the courage to re-enter a worldview that mainstream society has ridiculed. To that end, Avalonian Druids adhere to one of the most rigorous programs of study and practice in Druidry today. This rigorous program is comprised of three elements:

  • Personal study and spiritual devotions.
  • Demonstrable service and active, local and community-wide participation within the ADO spiritual community.
  • World service.
Study commences with tuitioned coursework and continues through apprenticeships under ADO Elders. For most people (assuming a full-time commitment), this will mean at least 19 years of devoted, consistent, intensive spiritual study and practice. For many people the time for completion may be longer, even without intrusions and interruptions by other aspects of one's life (e.g. family, work, etc.).

There is a tendency for modern people to think they can fit these studies and practices in "after everything else." This is seldom true. Every year of study is a year you must put other interests on hold. If you wish to succeed, you must consistently make the time and energy available, just as you do for your employer. If you plan to marry, your life partner must be willing to support you in this process. Without their help you cannot hope to pursue study consistently. The requirements are hard enough when one makes continual progress; they are impossible in the face of constant interference and interruptions. Be prepared to make the commitment without reservation or resentment. You will be repaid many times over for your efforts.

A fully trained Avalonian Druid will have completed all three levels of Intensive Workshop, as well as the Home Study and the Immersion for their specific Discipline -- preferably in that order.

Intensive Workshop
(3.5 days, $350 USD per person, includes accommodations)
Open to approved ADO Druid Novices who have been approved for training within one of the Three Druid Disciplines by the ADO Elder Council.

Workshop sequence provides a context for understanding the Druid's place within the tribal and world communities; compares and contrasts personal, tribal, and Druid healing cycles and practices; and offers a profound experience of Avalonian Druid culture and spiritual life within a safe, sanctified space:

Level I: Foundation for life as a Druid Novice in the Tribes (ADO spiritual community), includes:
  • Avalonian Lore, Guest Laws & Tribal Customs
  • Energy Work & Attunement
  • Cycle(s), The Breath & The Power of Sound
  • Personal Devotions
  • Intro to Traditional Teaching Methodology
  • Intro to Pathwalking: Stewardship in Community

Level II: Key Avalonian root wisdoms and skills, preparatory to exploring the Great Mysteries as a Druid Apprentice. Studies include:
  • The Arcane Laws
  • Sovereignty & Tribal Rites of Passage
  • Cosmology, Druid Healing Cycle & Ritual
  • Principles of Resonance, Rhythm & Harmony
  • Intro to Traditional Faery Healing
  • Basic Druid Ritual Observances

Level III: Prepares the Apprentice for the Dream of Calling, which defines the path of service within the Order. A celebratory "rebirthing" ends the three day vigil and Dream, closing the weekend. Includes:
  • Entering Avalon's Dreamtime
  • The Dream of Calling
  • Interpretation & Presentation of Dreams
  • Intro to the Disciplines
  • Welcoming Ceremony

Home Studies
(9-month correspondence studies each $350 USD per person. Use form below to register.)
Open to approved ADO Druid Novices who have been approved for training within one of the Three Druid Disciplines by the ADO Elder Council:
  • Songspell 101 - Myths and lore, overview of Tribal history, the Singer's place and purpose in Avalon and in the Tribes, including intermediate breathwork, voice, sound and resonance, sacred story-telling, basic poetic forms, song strains, perspectives on basic healing, and the uses of enchantment.
  • Pathwalking 101: Guardianship - Hunter/gatherer myths and lore, the Guardian's place in the Tribes, spiritual warriorcraft, concepts behind battle feats and skills, shielding, warding, and concepts underlying basic battle magics.
  • Dreamer's Arts 101 - Provides an overview of the history and lore of Avalon's Dreamers (prophets, seers, and oracles), including ethics, forms of 'dreaming', its uses and purposes past and present

Immersion
(10 days, $950 USD per person, includes accommodations)
Open to approved ADO Druid Novices, conditional upon ADO Elder Council approval:

Brings the Seeker as fully as possible into the life, ways, worldview, customs, and spirituality of ancient Avalon as she is known and honored in Avalon Druid Order today. Being in Avalon's sacred landscape in spiritual communion with other Druids is an inspiring experience. It enlivens our past-life memory, and helps to illuminate our purpose today. To walk with our ancestors and take in their presence, to explore their wisdoms at the very wellspring of their belief, and to see our world through their eyes is an overwhelming, truly unforgettable experience!

Several types of Immersions are offered:
  • The Sacred Landscape: Somerset (UK) or Finger Lakes Region, NY (USA) / Beltane
  • Songspell: Iona (Scotland) or Nova Scotia (Canada) / Samhain
  • The Dreamtime: Mona (Wales) or Black Mountain, NC (USA) / Imbolc

These ancient centers encompass all nine of the original archetypal sacred sites that comprised Avalon's first complete Order and form the original template for the whole Tradition, ancient and modern. Since they remained active, they also span the whole of Avalon's history. Although not all Avalonian groups include all of these these sites in their work, they all remain vital keys to the inner life of our Tradition today. Each has its own special purpose, presence, and power.

For the fullest possible experience, we strongly urge participants to follow certain basic guidelines:
Participants are housed in communal lodgings that evoke, as nearly as possible, the life and culture of ancient Avalon. All participants must observe house rules and help with weekly chores.  An organic / whole foods diet and natural-fiber wardrobe is highly recommended. Smoking, pets, use of mind-altering substances, and non-medical electronic devices are prohibited in all lodgings. Guides/instructors may enter common rooms  unannounced at their discretion. The traditional ancient courtesies shall be extended to all attendees.

Pilgrimage
(18 days, Current price: $1,800 USD per person, incl. 18 days lodging; min. enrolment- 10, max.- 30)*

Open to all who share an interest and concern for sacred space:

Pilgrimage is the personal voyage to, and experience of, the sacred energies associated with specific sites in locations around the world. The object of pilgrimage is to attain or enhance a state of enlightenment about the nature of Being. The journey is considered a hardship to undertake, and many traditional pilgrimage protocols reflect this fact. Some ask us to face our own fears or motivations, others to endure physical ordeals, and a few to confront entities and powers in which we may or may not have previously believed. Every pilgrimage site has one thing on common: each acts as a mirror of the soul and reveals to the pilgrim whatever they most need to feel or see in order to make spiritual progress; therefore the experience of pilgrimage is different for each person, depending upon their own needs and their readiness to undertake the pilgrimage. If you are not ready (i.e. you are immersed in your own ego or issues), the experience of pilgrimage can leave one feeling harrowed or empty and disappointed. If you are ready (i.e. you've done a lot of self-examination and contemplation), the experience is generally very uplifting, healing, and inspiring -- and absolutely magical and unique. There is truly nothing like it.

The Sanctuary offers pilgrims a guided approach to pilgrimage, including coaching on traditional ways of approaching the site(s) and counseling, where desired, on the nature and possible meanings of the individual's experience. Possible pilgrimage locations include:
  • Avebury, Stonehenge & Glastonbury, UK
  • Bryn Celli Ddu & Bodavon, Wales
  • Bru na Boyne & Kildare, Ireland
  • Callanais & Iona, Scotland
  • Carnac, Brittany
Pilgrimage sites on America's east coast are planned for the future.

ADO Credit for Coursework

All courses on this page are fully accepted by ADO as official ADO coursework and fulfil the ADO requirement for completion of Novice studies leading to final recommendation for Apprenticeship under an ADO Elder. Avalon Sanctuary will notify ADO of your enrolment in each course, and apprise the Order of your progress. Copies of your final coursework examination and mentor notes will be sent for your ADO records. You will also receive a Certificate of Completion for your own records which can be used as proof should a question ever arise as to your coursework status.

Summary

This may seem like a huge commitment to make to one's spiritual path, especially as pagan clergy are seldom paid for their services. However, consider the vast sums paid each year to two and four-year colleges on the mere promise of money that one often finds meaningless upon graduating. Your career is for this life; your spirituality is forever. Which do you think deserves the most attention? The actual cost of completing this programme is far less than any government-approved programme could ever be. For those of us who are serious about our spiritual lives, this is a small price to pay to do exactly what our hearts long to do.

To enroll in a course, simply complete the online form and send in your payment by check. Remember to write your ADO member number and the name of the course(s) for which you are enrolling in the "memo" area of your check to ensure proper credit for your payment.
Avalonian
Maxims...
"It is said (but seldom understood) that the power of Avalon derives from Love; not fickle human love, but the wild, fierce love of the Maker for the thing made, of the wellspring for the watercourse, and of the flame for the light." ~Morgaine

"Like things are attracted by nature; opposite things to complete themselves."
~Traditional