Dedicant Path Documentation

The Dedicant Path is intended to introduce a new member to the path of ADF Druidism, and to help the Dedicant incorporate that Druidism into her personal practice. Although the program can be completed in one year, it took me almost 18 months, largely due to a variety of personal circumstances and a desire to do my very best work.

The work I’ve provided here received a ‘superior’ rating, and I’m delighted to offer this work as an example of what the Dedicant work can look like. This work took me a long time, yes, but it was a labor of love, and I am exceedingly proud of everything I wrote.

As I was working through the DP, referring to others’ approved work helped me a lot. I truly hope my work will be helpful to others.

The Nine Virtues
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. 

High Day Essays
Short essays on each of the eight ADF High Days including a discussion of the meaning of each feast. 

Book Reviews
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 web site, or chosen by the student, with prior approval of the Preceptor. 

Home Shrine
A brief description, with photos if possible, of the Dedicant’s home shrine and plans for future improvements. 

Two Powers Essay
An essay focusing on the Dedicants understanding of the meaning of the “Two Powers” meditation or other 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. 

Meditation Journal/Essay
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. 

Nature Awareness Essay
An account of the Dedicant’s efforts to work with nature, honor 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. 

High Day Celebration Accounts
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.

Three Kindred Essay
One essay describing the Dedicants understanding of and relationship to each of the Three Kindred: the Spirits of Nature, the Ancestors and the Gods. 

Personal Druidry
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. 

Oath Rite Evaluation/Oath Text
The text of the Dedicant’s Oath Rite and a self-evaluation of the Dedicant’s performance of the rite. 

Works Cited