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Initiates Path

2/20/2012

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This is my intention letter for the IP. 
===

1: What draws you to the path of Initiation within ADF? 

What is most important to me is the deepening of my faith and understanding of the religion that I belong to. Religion is often the most intimate side of who a person is, or at least I feel it should be.  My religion and faith choices affect not only me, but my family as well. By committing myself to this path, I am changing who I am, and how I view myself.  I would never consider making this type of commitment without getting as much information on what Druidry means. I see the Initiates Path as a pathway into a deeper understanding that will expand my connection to the Kindreds.  I expect the IP to provide a framework for both intellectual and spiritual exploration. Looking at the course work required, I see weaknesses in myself that are in great need of brushing up. The magic aspect is something that is going to be a challenge to me, but one I am very much looking forward to. I have finished the basics, but now I want more. I want a way to show and express my commitment to my faith and church.

2: What does being an Initiate mean to you? 

Initiation to me is a bit like a marriage. It is the commitment of myself to this particular religion and form of spirituality at a much deeper level. I see the work required to finish the program much like the relationship that leads up to the ceremony. The DP was a great first step, much like a first date. The generalist path seems to be more of the, “we’re dating,” step.  I’m ready for the cohabitation part. I want a new, more intimate understanding of what being a druid is really about.  I want the intimate knowledge that will allow me to represent my faith to the best of my ability.


3: What services do you hope to provide to your community with this training? 

In many respects, I am the first person that people in my community encounter who is a self-described Druid, let alone an ADF Druid.  The deeper my understanding of what druidry is about, the better I can represent my religion with integrity. I also am the leader of a small, and hopefully growing protogrove.  The people of my sapling grove deserve someone who is able to help them walk this path as well as deepen their own spirituality.  As I deepen my own walk, I hope I will be able to act as a guide to others. The mental discipline work, as well as academic work, will be extremely helpful no matter if my grove grows or not.  I feel that if I am not working toward this step in my spiritual evolution, then I am doing myself, and my community, a huge disservice. 


Here is the email I received tonight

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Congratulations!  This is an e-mail to inform you that the preceptor of the IP Study Program has approved your enrollment.  
Blessings,
Rev. Crystal Groves (Crystal Groves)


Needless to say I am over the moon tonight and ready to dance in the streets!
1 Comment

    Author

    Amanda Thomas is the Grove Organizer for the Ad Astra Grove.  She also serves on the Topeka Interfaith Council.

    Hera Lakeshore is a practicing druid and contributor to the Ad Astra Grove blog.

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