Re: Druidic Formation Beirdd Mon Feb 15 22:41:58 1999 Thanks, GreyWolf, for being the first to offer feedback. You have made many good, fundamental observations.*p*You are absolutely right in describing this as a difficult program. The intent of it is not to provide a program for learning about druidry or even for becoming a druid. It is one to form a druid as a member of clergy who would have credentials similar to those of other religious traditions, communities and churches. As such, its difficulty may reflect those notions we get about just how long and arduous the ancient druid's preparation was. I would think that a program such as this would be easier than what they went though in fact.*p*I used as a guide for the outline my own personal knowledge of Seminary Formation (Roman Catholic) as well as research I had done in the preparation requirements for clergy in large Protestant churches, conservative Judaism, Islam and Buddhist houses in this country. All of these involve post-graduate academics and a lot of time and energy, in the assumption that one who feels so called is ready to take on, not a hobby or degree, but a permanent way of life that directly impacts intimately upon the lives of others. BTW: almost all "seminaries" today require psychological testing in order to protect all parties involved!*p*This sort of program as it stands would have to involve a particular druidic house of formation or druidic college, with courses taken there and/or in other institutions. It certainly goes beyond a program of druidic studies.*p*I believe OBOD and ADF have had programs of druidic study. I assume OBOD even has druids recognized civilly as clergy. I imagine the "programme" to reach those qualifications is also somewhat severe.*p*--Beirdd*p**p*GreyWolf wrote,*br*: Having just read this I will make some quick comments :-)*br*:*br*: It really sounds like this is suited only for a college or *br*: grad student / seminary type of setting. Not for the common *br*: Celt on the street.*br*:*br*: The first set of requirements will eliminate most people - *br*: especially*br*: the 27 credits of philosophy - and personally I dont like *br*: the psychological examination - I just dont believe in them, *br*: but that is just me.*br*:*br*: To be honest a lot of this cant be accomplished easily, if *br*: at*br*: all, by those who have to work for a living. You cant take *br*: the summer*br*: off if you have to work just to live - again relegating this *br*: to the grad school idea.*br*:*br*: I can see the reasoning behind the ideas but - my first gut *br*: feel*br*: is that it asks a hell of a lot, but that is good as you *br*: only want those that truly have the dedication and drive to *br*: want to do this and that will be a very precious few.*br*:*br*: Do you have ideas on where this could be done, or is it *br*: possible right now at some colleges. I looked at the list *br*: of classes in your other post and they are a wonderful list. *br*: I would love to audit some of those classes but have little *br*: hope of them ever being offered in any school near where I *br*: live. :-(*br*:*br*: This is very interesting. *br*:*br*: So, now how about something toned down for us working types *br*: that want to progress but not become an ordained celtic *br*: clergy person. IE - a formalized home study course, *br*: correspondance type course but with a mentor required, and I *br*: do mean mentor required. Again this implies that courses *br*: of study either be developed or taken from existing sources *br*: and adapted for such a purpose.*br*:*br*: I will think more on this interesting proposal.*br*: *br* Re: Druidic Formation GreyWolf 372 Mon Feb 15 20:31:19 1999