"Upon death, a platter of earth, salt, stone and stick, was placed on his breast." ~W. W. Reade

The following proclamation, issued under the authority of the Most Holy Ancient Druids and in accordance with the principles of Brehon Law, recognizes and affirms the designation of "OCAB" as the official acronym of the Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood. This document explains the significance of this identifier within the Druid Order, emphasizing its connection from ancient druidic traditions and the strength, courage, vision and wisdom, of its founder, Chf. Drd. Nioclás Deaglán, OCAB.

By the authority vested in me as Founder-In-Chief by the "Laws of the Founding Druid", "The Druid Circle", "Druid Living", "Druid University", and any and all encompassing outlets, it is hereby ordered:  

WHEREAS, throughout the sacred circles of Druidic practice, communities have adopted identifiers to signify their fellowship and purpose, fostering a sense of shared belonging and spiritual unity;

WHEREAS, the Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood, a community devoted to the sacred balance of nature, the wisdom of the ancestors, the acknowledgment of the ancient Gods, and indisputable evidence of the Godhead has, through its Founder-in-Chief, Drd. Nioclás Deaglán, OCAB, established the acronym "OCAB" as its hallowed identifier;

It is the purpose of this proclamation to recognize and affirm the designation of OCAB as the official and hallowed acronym of the Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood. This identifier, meticulously crafted by its founder, Drd. Nioclás Deaglán, OCAB, is a modern adaptation that serves to unite and distinguish the members of this sacred community. The proclamation underscores that this acronym, like those of other religious and spiritual orders, is a symbol of shared identity and dedication to ancient practices. 

The acronym OCAB is derived from the ancient Gaelic, Draoi Ord Cloch agus Adhmad Beannaithe, which figuratively, not literally means, "Druid Order Stone and Wood Blest."

(a) This phrase was deliberately chosen, with its unconventional word order, to create the desired acronym. It is hereby affirmed that "O" represents Ord (Order), "C" represents Cloch (Stone), "A" represents Adhmad (Wood), and "B" represents Beannaithe (Blest), with "agus" meaning "and".

(b) This identifier is a constant reminder of the fundamental values and principles that define the order. The use of OCAB is intended to foster a sense of unity and shared identity among members, reinforcing their sacred bond in the pursuit of strength, courage, vision, and wisdom with the natural world.

(c) This lettering is specifically designed to represent not only the Druidic Tetrachotomy of each OCAB Druid, but the collective the Druid Order embodies. 

(e) It is acknowledged that the creation of OCAB serves not only as a practical tool for recognition but also as a testament to the order's ability to adapt and innovate while remaining deeply rooted in its ancient traditions.

The members of this sacred order are also known by the appellation "The Brothers and Sisters of the Ancient Cross." This name reflects the ancient symbol through which the order’s mission is realized and resonates deeply due to the cross's timeless symbolism. The cross is a representation of the cosmos through a connection between the material and ethereal realms, grounded in foundational, not "reimagined," roots. This appellation fosters Unity, which is considered the highest form of Magic within the order. 

This section outlines the standards for membership within the order, including the qualifications for applicants, the mutual nature of affiliation, and the principles governing the progression of members. The conduct of all members is guided by The Rule of the Founding Druid which includes being active within the Druid Order, in good standing outside the Druid Order and abide to this code:

1. Loyalty to the Druid Order.

2. Everyone works.

3. Nothing is free.

4. All start at the bottom.

5. Acknowledge the Kindred of others' understanding.

6. Worship the God or Gods of your understanding.

7. Be austere, fearless, and patient; your quest is excellence.

8. We live by Right Action and do good for goodness sake.

9. We are conservative Druids and honor Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

10. For the Chief's decision to be made final, he must consider the judgment of his brethren.

(a) All applicants for membership must identify with their biological sex (male or female) and be at least 25 years of age. They must be legal citizens of their country and believe at the very least in the potential reality of the Infinite and the existence of the Otherworld. The order honors the Divine Masculine and the separate Divine Feminine.

(b) The order operates as an "At-Will" Druid Order, which means that any member is free to leave at any time without reason, and conversely, the order reserves the right to dismiss any member at any time without reason. Merit and active participation, rather than identity, serve as the basis for seniority and progression, reflecting the principles that everyone works and all start at the bottom. Loyalty to the Druid Order is paramount, and members are expected to be austere, fearless, and patient, with their quest being excellence. We live by Right Action and do good for goodness sake.

(c) No monetary dues or fees are ever required to belong to this order, upholding the principle that nothing is free, but rather earned through dedication. This principle is based on the belief in neither "profit for prophesy" nor "guilt for gain." Members are, however, responsible for their own ritual gear and materials.

(d) Members are enjoined to acknowledge the Kindred of others' understanding and to honor the Divine Masculine and Divine Feminine. We are conservative Druids and honor Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. For the Chief's decision to be made final, he must consider the judgment of his brethren.

It is hereby acknowledged that the Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood was founded on September 23, 2018, in Philadelphia, PA, by Chief Druid Nioclás Deaglán, also known as Daniel L. Curcio. His journey, marked by a commitment to discipline, scholarship, and a return to his conservative roots, led him to establish this order with a fundamental premise of preserving the authentic, historical Druidic traditions.

In founding this Druid Order, Nioclás Deaglán provided a guiding vision based on the preservation and continuity of enduring Druidic customs. He designed its theology and philosophy to be defined by both theory and practice, with its core ideals remaining unaltered in their essence. 

In his founding vision, he established the order as an antithesis to "woke ideology" that has negatively affected and impacted other spiritual traditions, focusing instead on a conservative approach to Druidism that honors Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. His leadership and commitment to traditional beliefs serve as the foundational bedrock of the order.

The Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood distinguishes itself from other orders through a set of foundational principles that guide its practice and community.

(a) It is acknowledged that the historical Druidic lineage was largely extinguished by the 7th Century AD. The order therefore does not claim to be a direct continuation of that lineage but is instead dedicated to its resurrection, aiming to honor and revive lost, yet ancient traditions, from their disappearance. 

(b) The order maintains a commitment to intellectual and spiritual originality, where all thought is original and may at times "go against the grain," with much information being spread by other Neopagan communities.

(c) The order does not provide its members with pre-packaged "packets" or censored OCAB publications and "books" for learning. Rather, members are instructed to learn from a selected group of some of the greatest thinkers of all time, including, but not limited to those who at one point or another investigated Druidic culture and civilization, fostering a comprehensive and self-directed path of knowledge, guided by the Chief Druid or his Successor.

(d) This order publicly declares that "woke ideology" has no place in the study or practice of Druidic history.

(e) The order is united by its shared tenets, rituals, and rites, and it reaffirms its unique principle that no monetary dues or fees are required for membership, as outlined in Section 4.

This section clarifies the ultimate purpose of the OCAB acronym as envisioned by its founder and states the authority under which this proclamation is issued, ensuring that the order's principles are upheld.

(a) The founder, Drd. Nioclás Deaglán, OCAB, intended the acronym OCAB to represent the order's structured community, earthly connection, natural vitality, and spiritual essence, in accordance with the timeless wisdom of the Druids.

(b) This proclamation is issued by the authority vested in me by the Most Holy Ancient Druids and in accordance with Brehon Law. It does not create any new rights or obligations but rather serves as an official recognition of the existing designation.

The Chief Druid, who founded the Order, neither wishes to be viewed as a pope or some other high figure, nor wishes to be placed upon a pedestal. Instead, his purpose is to serve the community by bringing out the best in others, ensuring they stand upon their own pedestals. 

In lieu of personal accolades, Drd. Nioclás Deaglán, OCAB prefers to be kept in the thoughts and prayers of the members. The ultimate goal for all OCAB Druids, who possess a Sacred Heart, Good Soul, Beautiful Mind, and Holy Spirit, as envisioned by the founder, is to "be better versions of themselves tomorrow than they are today."

Any amendment to this proclamation, may be etched as additions, solely by the Chief and any and all Successors to the Founder, but the authors of those editions, do not have the authority to remove any original content, which includes but is not limited to the Tenets of OCAB, and any of the Chief's original thoughts or declarations.

NOW, THEREFORE, by the authority vested in me by the Most Holy Ancient Druids and in accordance with Brehon Law, I hereby recognize and affirm the designation of OCAB as the official acronym of the Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood, and commend its members for their dedication to the preservation and practice of ancient Druidic traditions.

Let this be a teaching. ✠ Beidh sé go brae ✠ Éist le mo ghuí ✠ Tá sé fíor, tá sé fíor ✠ Gyda Awen!

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, bounded in blood, and blessed by Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water, I have caused this proclamation to be issued this 23rd day of September, in the year of the sacred cycle 2024.

Chf. Drd. Nioclás Deaglán, OCAB

Founder, The Druid Circle

Second Competent, Druid Order of Blest Stone and Wood

Second Degree Druid, Druid University,

EIC, Druid Living Magazine

Magus Drd. Phillip Emmons Isaac Bonewits, OCAB

Founder, Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF)

Pope of Paganism, Anam Cara to OCAB