Steps, Objectives, Goals
Great Expectations
Let's Summarize our SMART Goals:
Any great expectations, our intangible outcomes, need three elements to create tangible outcomes.
As you have learned, the first of these elements consist of simple steps. These steps are given to you in an "Order". There are (8) Eight Orders within a year's time, therefore, Orders are given octannually, if you are consistent. An Order consists of three parts. The first part is information about OCAB (Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood), the second part is one's Theory (the occult philosophy relevant to the order), the third part is one's Practice (using Magic relevant to the Occult Philosophy). You are responsible to know everything in these Orders.
Now, the second of these elements is called an objective. An objective consists of a group of steps called Orders. Once you complete a group of Orders, you have completed an objective called a Level. Levels are divided into two categories. The first category is called a Class. Each class is a one year period.Classes consist of levels before you are initiated into the Druid Order. The second category is called a Degree. Degrees consist of levels after you are initiated into the Druid Order.
Finally, the third of these elements is called a goal. A goal consists of a group of objectives called Levels. Once you complete a group of Levels, you have completed a goal called an Office. There are (4) Four Offices. The first office is the office of the Acolyte. There are three ranks within the Acolyte: Postulant, Aspirant, and Initiate. These ranks create the Acolytes' Caste called the Laical Path. The second office is the office of the Cleric. There are two ranks within the Cleric: Deacon, and Priest. These ranks create the Clerics' Caste called the Clerical Path. The third office is the office of the Archdruid. There are five ranks within the Archdruid: Seer, Overseer, Chieftain, Viceroy, and Chief. These ranks create the Archdruids' Caste called the Archical Path.
Leaders
Commissioned vs. Non-Commissioned
Each OCAB Druid is assigned a position or situation that they may keep or lose depending on their active or inactive status, will to leave or stay, and their remaining in good standing with the Druid Order or their Community. There are two positions. The first is a non-appointed position, meaning you earn these based on the work you accomplish. Those in non-appointed positions are called Non-Commissioned Druids. The second is an appointed position. Those in appointed positions are called Commissioned Druids.
Now, we get into leadership. Non-Commissioned Druids gain leadership based on their work and their deed, which comes naturally, along with their status and standing and if active and good, they cannot lose their position. Commissioned Druids gain leadership based on their appointment by the Chief Druid, depending on the need of the Druid Order, they may be kept or released at any time. In many cases, a Commissioned Druid may have earned a leadership position in another Order, they may be trusted allies, or may be family members, but the rule of all start at the bottom still stands as they must remain active and in good standing and must work hard to keep their situation.
Can a Commissioned Druid lose their leadership position? If in any way, shape, or form, cannot continue to make their quota (demonstrated below), they will lose their leadership role. A Commissioned Druid outranks a Non-Commissioned Druid. Those who wish to lead must express this to the Chief Druid in writing and also must have been given an OCAB ID Number. They must be active and in good standing. The hardest workers will be chosen leaders.
The Laical Caste and Leadership
The Monastic and Acolyte
Any OCAB Druid at any level may practice as they wish outside of the Order. This means that for any practice to be an official it must be sanctioned by the Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood. Everything is occult until it is made known to them. It doesn't mean it doesn't exist. It just means it hasn't been presented to them yet. Once it is, they may use it for sanctioned OCAB Druidry (the science of the Druids) and Druidism (the way of the Druids).
The Solitary Druid, sometimes simply Solitary, which we call a Monastic, wishes to work alone and by him or herself. They are not officially OCAB Druids who must remain active and in good standing, but nonetheless are druids who wish to occasionally be part of a grove. They do not seek being a participant or even be a member. Anyone can go to any official OCAB function without, for lack of a better word, joining the Druid Order. This will be especially prominent when we are fully public. They are the person who "just goes to Church and leaves."
The Solitary Acolyte is one who wishes to work at their own pace and if that means completing the bare minimum to remain active, which is only to complete two Orders per year, then that is all that is required for them to remain in their situation. They must still report to their geographical superior, who is the senior acolyte, of whom will be made known to them, to remain in contact with the Druid Order. A Solitary Acolyte that is not a Monastic. They wish to progress but at a slower rate than that of a Senior Acolyte. They may be assigned a group of Homes to guide if they wish.
The Senior Acolyte is one who is consistent in their work and deed. They focus on one goal, what is next? They complete their Orders in a timely fashion. They move through their steps diligently. They are interested in taking the Druid Order to the next level and are in hopes doing what they need to move through the ranks as they are given them. They may be assigned a group of Hearths to guide if they wish. The are called, "Senior" due to them having the highest rank in their Geographical Boundary.
The Clerical Caste and Leadership
The Deacon and Priest
The Archical Caste and Leadership
The Archdruid
Geographical Boundaries
Nemeta and Nine Waves
The Home
A Solitary Druid is someone who simply wants to practice and study on their own and does not wish to be part of anything larger than that. In essence they are parishioners. They are known as Monastics. In formal settings, they may use their honorific title of "Druid". Their "Theory and Practice" is done at their home. They choose not to be in a leadership role, and once initiated, they do not need to pursue anything farther but must remain in good standing. They do not wear a ritual caul, a sacred black brimless skullcap with or without a pompom. While there are no progression requirements, they should still have a goal of completing initiation. Until then, they may go to their nearest grove for other than Daily Ritual. They may be biologically male or biologically female.
The Hearth
The First Nemeton is the Hearth run by the Solitary Acolyte and serves with the title Monk/Nun. They have the option of using their honorific, "Cousin Druid," in formal settings. Their official meetings are known as a Grove. The Hearth collectively governs a group of Homes. Official correspondence to this individual would be addressed as "Dear Druid Cousin..." They do not wear a ritual caul. They report to the Senior Acolyte and complete a minimum of (4) four orders per year to keep their situation. They may be biologically male or biologically female.
The Parish
The Second Nemeton is the Parish run by the Senior Acolyte and serves with the title Rector. Official correspondence to this individual would be addressed as "Dear Druid Rector." They have the option of using their honorific, "Brother/Sister Druid," in formal settings. Their formal meetings are called a Memorandum. Their assignment covers a specific Zone (i.e. Borough, Neighborhood, etc.) The Parish collectively governs a group of Hearths. They wear a ritual caul with no pompom. They report to the Senior Deacon. Once chosen, they must be in good standing and complete a minimum of (4) four orders per year to keep their situation. They may be biologically male or biologically female.
The Diocese
The Third Nemeton is the Diocese run by the Senior Deacon and serves with the title Friar/Suerer. Official correspondence to this individual would be addressed as "Dear Druid Friar/Suerer." Their area of responsibility is the County. They have the option of using their honorific, "Friar/Suerer Druid," in formal settings. Their formal meetings are called an Assembly. The Diocese collectively governs a group of Parishes. They wear a ritual caul with a black pompom. They report to the Ordinal Priest. Once chosen, they must be in good standing and complete a minimum of (4) four orders per year to keep their situation. They may be biologically male or biologically female.
The Archdiocese
The Fourth Nemeton is the Archdiocese run by the Ordinal Priest and serves with the title Chaplain. Official correspondence to this individual would be addressed as "Dear Druid Prior/Prioress," They have the option of using their honorific, "Prior/Prioress Druid," in formal settings. Their formal meetings are called a Convention. Their assigned territory is a Capital or Metropolis of a state. The Archdiocese collectively governs a group of Dioceses. They wear a ritual caul with a brown pompom. They report to the Cardinal Priest. Once chosen, they must be in good standing and complete a minimum of (5) five orders per year to keep their situation. They may be biologically male or biologically female.
The Ecclesiastical State
The Fifth Nemeton is the Ecclesiastical State run by the Cardinal Priest and serves with the title Secretary of State. Official correspondence to this individual would be addressed as "Dear Druid Secretary," and They have the option of using their honorific, "Monsignor/Madame Druid," in formal settings. Their formal meetings are called a Congress. Their assignment covers a State or Province. The Ecclesiastical State collectively governs a group of Arch Dioceses. They wear a ritual caul with a red pompom. They report to the Seer. Once chosen, they must be in good standing and complete a minimum of (5) five orders per year to keep their situation. They may be biologically male or biologically female.
The Ecclesiastical Division
The Sixth Nemeton is the Ecclesiastical Division run by the Seer and serves with the title Divisional Archdruid. Official correspondence to this individual would be addressed as "Dear Divisional Archdruid," and They have the option of using their honorific, "Your/His/Her Honor," in formal settings. Their formal meetings are called a Consistory. Their assignment includes divisions like New England, Middle Atlantic, East North Central, West North Central, South Atlantic, East South Central, West South Central, Mountain, and Pacific in the US. The Ecclesiastical Division collectively governs a group of Ecclesiastical States. They wear a ritual caul with a orange pompom. They report to the Overseer. Once chosen, they must be in good standing and complete a minimum of (6) six orders per year to keep their situation. They may be biologically male or biologically female.
The Ecclesiastical Region
The Seventh Nemeton is the Ecclesiastical Region run by the Overseer and serves with the title Provincial Archdruid. Official correspondence to this individual would be addressed as “Dear Provincial Archdruid.” They have the option of using their honorific, "Your/His/Her Excellency," in formal settings. Their formal meetings are called a Conference. Their assignment encompasses regions such as the Northeast, Midwest, South, and West in the US. The Ecclesiastical Region collectively governs a group of Ecclesiastical Divisions. They wear a ritual caul with a yellow pompom. They report to the Chieftain. Once chosen, they must be in good standing and complete a minimum of (6) six orders per year to keep their situation. They may be biologically male or biologically female.
The Ecclesiastical Nation
The Eighth Nemeton is the Ecclesiastical Nation run by the Chieftain and serves with the title National Archdruid. Official correspondence to this individual would be addressed as “Dear National Archdruid.” They have the option of using their honorific, "Your/His/Her Eminence," in formal settings. Their formal meetings are called a Synod. The Nation collectively governs a group of Ecclesiastical Provinces. They wear a ritual caul with a white pompom. They report to the Chief. Once chosen, they must be in good standing and complete a minimum of (6) six orders per year to keep their situation. They may be biologically male or biologically female.
The Viceroy
Separate from any nemeton, the Viceroy and serves with the title Matriarch, Official correspondence to this individual would be addressed as "Dear Druid Mother," they have the option of using their honorific, "Your/Her Beatitude," in formal settings. Their only purpose is to assist the Chief Druid of the Order and temporarily replace him under extraordinary circumstances of incapacitation, until the Chief's Successor is chosen by her, along with the Provincial and National Archdruids in Conclave, which is conducted with absolute secrecy and last no longer than a fortnight. The Viceroy performs any and all duties assigned by by the Chief Druid. They wear a ritual caul with a black and white pompom. She reports to the Chief Druid and communicates to him all correspondences from leadership. Once chosen, the Viceroy must be in good standing and complete all (8) Eight Orders per year to keep their situation. The Viceroy must always be biologically female and identify as such. If a woman is not immediately available to serve, a male must fill the position, appointed by the Chief until a female enters the role. If a male is temporarily appointed, he is awarded the title of Patriarch and subsequent honorific. Once relieved of his temporary appointment, he returns to his initial elected position.
The Druid Order
The Ninth Nemeton is The Druid Order run by our Founder Chf. Drd. Nioclás Deaglán, OCAB who will be succeeded by the First Successor, Second Successor, and so on, and serves with the title Chief Druid, then the First Chief Druid, Second Chief Druid, etc. Official correspondence to this individual would be addressed as, "Dear Druid Chief," and he has the option of using their honorific, "Your/His/Her Goodness," in formal settings. Their formal meetings are called a Council. The Druid Order collectively governs a group of Nations. They wear a ritual caul with a brown, red, orange, yellow, and white pompom. He communicates with the Anam Cara and we know he is with us or we would not have been as successful as our competitors would have wanted us to be. The Chief of the Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood will always be a biological male.
The Other World
The Other World is inherent in the Thought and Magic of our Anam Cara who serves with the title Magus Druid and is higher than the Chief within the Druid Order. Our Anam Cara will always be Phillip Emmons Isaac Bonewits (October 1, 1949—August 12, 2010) and is to be addressed with the honorific "His Holiness." His position is referred to as The Seat, and collectively, it is known as The Druid Circle. He oversees the Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood. His caul is pictured. In 1983, Bonewits founded Ár nDraíocht Féin, "A Druid Fellowship" or ADF, which was incorporated in 1990. Our Druid Order, OCAB, stemmed from ADF and His Holiness now holds a much higher honor in our collective heart, soul, mind and spirit. Despite the woke agenda which disgraced him from his founding Druid Order, he is a hero and champion for classical paleopagan and neopagan culture and civilization, including Ritual, Myth, Magic, and the Occult.