What is Awen?
Druidic Discernment
Discernment gives us inspiration to make decisions informed by conviction, the reality of life, and the world we serve. Being "On the Path" begins with the Discernment Program. With us, it starts as a (5) five year plan which refines you more and more until you reach excellence, the ultimate goal of the true Druid™.
An Introduction
Some Terminology
A "SMART" framework ensures we advance from small steps, to larger objectives, to encompassing goals. In OCAB, steps are called Orders. A group of Orders is called a Level. Before Initiation, levels are "Classes" and after Initiation, "Degrees". A group of levels is an Office. Offices form a rank, or rather, a Caste.
Orders and Levels
Druidic Development
OCAB Druids move up in levels. Each new level is obtained by completing steps called "Orders". At a good pace, you could complete (8) Eight Orders in about a year. An Order includes essential knowledge, which is guidance; theory, which is a reading and writing; and practice, which is applying what you learned.
The Discernment Program
The Acolyte
The Discernment Program occurs before Initiation, during which you are an Acolyte. Here, your levels are called Classes. You start as a 5th Class Druid and move downward toward a 1st Class Druid. There are (3) Three Offices within Acolyte: Postulancy, Aspirancy, and Initiation taking about (5) five years to complete.
The Caste System
Offices and Castes
A group of Offices, shown above, make up a Caste. There are (3) three castes functioning as a ranking system. The first is the Laical Caste, and the office of Acolyte. The second is the Clerical Caste, and the offices of Deacon and Priest. The third is Archical Caste, and the offices of leadership, which we'll get to.
Knowledge and Workings
Theory and Practice
"Theory and Practice" are unified in art and science. Theory codifies conceptual learning of exoteric and esoteric knowledge, enhancing a higher consciousness. Practice applies it for results, manifesting what once was intangible into a tangible form. Aleister Crowley says that Theory and Practice helps shape reality.
Office of the Acolyte
Levels are "Classes"
In Discernment, Acolytes have three Levels to gain. These levels are called "Classes": Postulancy (5th-4th Class), Aspirancy (3rd-2nd Class), and Initiation (1st Class). If an Acolyte doesn't want to go onto Dedication, Ordination, or Consecration, the "Laical Path" which is the Caste for them.
Mentorship
A Formation Director
A Formation Director guides you during discernment in the offices of Acolyte. They refine you using their knowledge and experience and edify connections to your Pantheon. As a counselor, they nurture your ties to the Kindreds (Deities, Ancestors, Spirits, Family), shaping you into a true Druid of Blest Stone and Wood.
The Offices of the Laical Path
Postulancy
The Acolyte's first level of two years is the "Postulancy" where you are a "postulant", a person who is discerning their place among the most Holy Ancient Druids. You contemplate if belonging to this ancient priesthood is right for you, learning about ancient civilization and culture along with a general understanding of the historical Druids. This is done using academic knowledge of philosophy, archeology, theology, and anthropology. You also learn the ethics behind Occult thought and Magic practice. Here, you master our Prayers, Creeds, Swynion, and Simple Rites. You may or may not have a partner work with you during this time to help you with your Orders if you wish. Having a Formation Director is not required.
Aspirancy
The Acolyte's second level of two years is the "Aspirancy" where you are an "Aspirant", a person who is discerning their place among our OCAB Druids. You contemplate if belonging to our Druid Order is right for you. You also learn the fundamentals of virtuous living, moral theology and how mythological creatures can be great archetypes for strength, courage, vision, and wisdom. Here, you master the Daily Ritual. You should have a partner work with you during this time to help you with your Orders if you wish. A partner is someone just like you because sometimes it takes two to Tango. Instead of a partner, you may have a Formation Director which is advised but still not necessary.
Initiation
The Acolyte's third level of one year is the "Initiation" where you are an "Initiate", or fully discerned OCAB Druid. It involves short, casual conversations, or in person, video, and/or calls which happen roughly about once per year with the Chief Druid. During this period, you still receive orders which are focused Magic, Megaliths, and Mythology and the Occult. Here, you master the Rites of Hallowing, which are General Blessings of Persons, Places, and Things called Sacramentals. These Sacramentals, are in essence talismans which are ordinary objects that are used for extraordinary purposes. If, and only if asked to bless something, you will learn how to bless them and make them holy for the person intended. After Initiation, you become an official part of the Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood. In place of a partner, you must have a Formation Director.
Intersection
A Hero's Journey After Initiation
Once you successfully complete the Laity Path which is the Laical Caste, you hold a full Laical Rank, which means you've finished your Discernment Program and are officially Initiated into the Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood (OCAB), you'll find you have four distinct paths you can choose to follow.
Option One: Remain a Laical Druid or become a Partner
Your first choice is to simply remain a Laical Druid within OCAB. You can keep practicing everything you learned during your discernment, but your formal instruction and learning journey would conclude here. You'll need to remain in good standing, and as a Lay Druid, and you're limited to performing only the acts you were taught in your program. While you're free to pursue other spiritual interests outside of OCAB, these unofficial practices activities won't be recognized as part of your official role as an OCAB Initiate. Therefor, they are not sanctioned by us. Those things you have learned during discernment, will be sanctioned by us. Here, you may become a partner with someone who may be having problems with their "Theory and Practice" before Initiation.
Option Two: Become a Formation Director
Your second choice is to become a Formation Director. If you have a passion for counseling and guiding others, this role is for you. You'll mentor individuals at any stage before their own Initiation, learning pastoral counseling techniques. Your goal is to provide direction, encouragement, and support as they navigate their discernment journey. Remember, as OCAB Druids, we never give direct advice; instead, offer various options and explain their potential outcomes. The final decision always rests with the individual, making you their mirror, mirror, on the wall, not telling them what they want to hear, rather what they need to see.
Option Three: Enter the Vocational Path as a Druidic Deacon
Your third option is to move onto the Vocational Path, which is the Clerical Caste. Here you become a Clerical Druid for OCAB. This path has two offices: Deacon and Priest. If you choose this, you'll first train to become a Druidic Deacon and learn the important Rites of Benediction, officially becoming a Dedicant of the Order. These Rites are diverse, and include Blessings, Petitions, Processions, Intinctions, and Ceremonies for Life's Milestones (Naming, Marriage, and Funerals), all performed within a larger Ritual framework. A Deacon can perform everything an Acolyte can, plus they can instruct Formation Directors, lead Nature-Based and Communal Events, and perform Ordinal Rituals. These include mastering and leading our Sunday Rituals, Special Rituals for Nature-Related Holidays, Patriotic Holidays, and Rituals for Special Intentions and Simple Gatherings (Talk Groups, Meetups, etc.)
Option Four: Advance to Druidic Priest within the Vocational Path
Once you're dedicated as a Deacon, you're able to administer those specific Rites of Benediction within a Ritual format. Some Druids may choose to remain Deacons, with their official learning concluding at this level. Most Deacons, however, feel called to become a Druidic Priest, still within the Vocational Path. A Druid Priest is Ordained and learns the powerful Rites of Anointing. These Rites involve the Consecrations of Persons, Places, and Things outside of a standard Ritual for specific, profound reasons. Priests also master and perform Low, High, and Cardinal Rituals. Later, as either a Deacon or Priest, you might be called into a Leadership Rank, or you can submit a written request to become a leader in the Order, beginning as a Seer.
Your Initiate Credentials
As a fully initiated member, you will receive your official Photo ID Card with your Ministry credentials from the Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood. This credential allows you to practice Magic under us and fulfill our Mission within our Order. Your credentialing renews every year or upon reaching a new Level, whichever comes first. You can also begin holding public events as a Brother or Sister of the Ancient Cross, or OCAB Druid. As you gradually learn the Rituals and Rites within your Office, it will be reflected in your ID Card. Your ID Card expires immediately upon reasonable cause for your defrocking, or the process by which one is officially shunned and dismissed from our Order, in which you may never return.