Reformed Druids of North America - Organization

Organization

A great majority of the followers of Reformed Druidism are not currently in a group, especially with the advent of information on the internet. There are two types of groups within the RDNA: groves and proto-groves. A grove is a group of Druids who have been established, usually at least three members, and who have a third order Druid as their Arch-Druid. The Carleton grove established the tradition of three officers (though this structure is not mandatory):

• Arch-Druid, a third order priest, to direct worship;
• Preceptor, a second order Druid, to handle business matters;
• Server, a first order Druid to assist the Arch-Druid.

A proto-grove is a beginning grove that has no third order Druid; these are typically smaller than a regular grove.

To become a first order Druid, a person must partake of the Waters-of-Life, and affirm their acceptance of the Basic Tenets. To become a second order Druid, one must pledge themselves to the service of the RDNA, as well as have an understanding of basic Druidism. To become a third order priest, one must dedicate oneself to a life of Druidic inquiry, starting with an all-night, outdoor vigil.

All three of the main orders are bestowed by an ordination script which is inserted within a regular liturgy. The affirmation of the two tenets and partaking of the waters is the script for the first ordination, often followed by tracing the Druid Sigil on their forehead by the Arch Druid. The second ordination poses a series of questions about the waters-of-life, followed by an ordeal of a large drink of the waters-of-life. The third ordination normally follows a period of tutelage, a vigil, and a sunrise ceremony in which the ordainer passes on the apostolic succession and assists in the new priest's first consecration of the waters-of-life. In cases of undue geographic isolation, such ordinations have occurred by telephone or proxy. Ordinations traditionally occur during the Season of Life, between Beltane and Samhain, emergencies excepted.

Higher orders of the priesthood (up to the tenth) recognize outstanding insight and dedication over a period of time. They are similar to academic degrees in that they represent recognition of personal achievement, but carry no special authority. Each order of the priesthood is dedicated to one of the eight aspects of Nature. As of 1967 only the fourth through seventh were completed.