Dedicant Path

The Dedicant Path is the initial program of study in ADF.  It is not a requirement, however, it does help new members understand ADF and Druidry better having done it.  There is no time requirement except that the dedicant must have taken part in a full year’s worth of ritual, four of which must be an ADF ritual.

The Dedicant Path is available to all ADF members and consists of approximately a year-long period of study and practice which will acquaint you with the ways of Our Druidry.

The requirements for the DP are as follows:

  1. Written discussion of the Dedicant’s understanding of each of the following nine virtues: wisdom, piety, vision, courage, integrity, perseverance, hospitality, moderation and fertility. The Dedicant may also include other virtues if desired, and compare them to these nine. (125 words min. each)
  2. Short essays on each of the eight ADF High Days including a discussion of the meaning of each feast. (125-words min. each)
  3. Short book reviews on at least: 1 Indo-European studies title, 1 preferred ethnic study title, and 1 modern Paganism title. These titles can be selected from the recommended reading list in the Dedicant Program manual or the ADF website, or chosen by the student, with prior approval of the Preceptor. (325-word min. each)
  4. A brief description, with photos if possible, of the Dedicant’s home shrine and plans for future improvements. (150-words min.)
  5. An essay focusing on the Dedicants understanding of the meaning of the “Two Powers” meditation or another form of ‘grounding and centering’, as used in meditation and ritual. This account should include impressions and insights that the Dedicant gained from practical experience. (300-word min.)
  6. An essay or journal covering the Dedicant’s personal experience of building mental discipline, through the use of meditation, trance, or other systematic techniques on a regular basis. The experiences in the essay or journal should cover at least a five-month period. (800-words min.)
  7. An account of the Dedicant’s efforts to work with nature, honour the Earth and understand the impacts and effects of the Dedicant’s lifestyle choices on the environment and/or the local ecosystem and how she or he could make a difference to the environment on a local level. (500-word min.)
  8. A brief account of each High Day ritual attended or performed by the Dedicant in a twelve-month period. High Days attended/performed might be celebrated with a local grove, privately, or with another Neopagan group. At least 4 of the rituals attended/performed during the training period must be ADF-style. (100-word min. each)
  9. One essay describing the Dedicants understanding of and relationship to each of the Three Kindred: the Spirits of Nature, the Ancestors, and the Gods. (300-word min. for each Kindred and 1000-word total.)
  10. A brief account of the efforts of the Dedicant to develop and explore a personal (or Grove-centered) spiritual practice, drawn from a specific culture or combination of cultures. (600-word min.)
  11. The text of the Dedicant’s Oath Rite and a self-evaluation of the Dedicant’s performance of the rite. (500-word min.)