druidkirk.org

My ADF Dedicant Path Work

Photo-Dedicant Pin

My Dedicant Journey

I did the ADF Dedicant Path (then called the Dedicant Program) back in 2002, when the rules and book list were different from what they are today. I was filled with enthusiasm, and, I must admit, wide-eyed wonder, at the magic and power of Paganism. I was also intrigued by everything, and couldn't get enough. There was a lot of learning to do - I discovered that most of the Neopagan books out there were all about Unverified Personal Gnosis and could not be trusted, necessarily. The requirement to describe the meanings of the 8 High Days was particularly difficult for me, as all I could find were Wiccan and general Neopagan sources. I'm not particularly proud of that paper. In fact, I'm appalled when I read most of these papers. But they spurred me on to learn more and more, so for that reason, if none other, doing the DP was very valuable for me.

I see the Dedicant Path as the basic course that everyone in ADF should take, if at all possible. It puts us all on the same page, as it were, so that we can discuss our religion without confusion. Also, I like the idea of verifiable standards in a course of study - there are many folks out there who claim to have great knowledge that they learned at the feet of High Priestess So-And-So, but none of this can be verified objectively. For this reason, I think that the ADF DP and Study Programs give us great credibility, and I wholeheartedly support them.

To see a preview of the current ADF Dedicant Path, click here. My papers appear in the requirements below.

Requirements (as of 2002):

  1. Written discussions of the Dedicant's understanding of each of the nine virtues (approx. 1/2 page each).
  2. Short essays on each of the eight High Days including a discussion of the meaning of each feast (approx. 1/2 page each).
  3. Short book reports (1 or 2 pages each) on at least: 1 I-E studies title, 1 preferred ethnic study title and 1 modern paganism title:
    1. IE Studies - In Search of the Indo-Europeans (Mallory)
    2. Ethnic Studies - Celtic Myth and Legend (Squire) and The Druids (Ellis)
    3. Modern Paganism - Drawing Down the Moon (Adler)
    4. Extra Title - Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles (Hutton)
  4. Weekly journal entries detailing experiences in meditation for at least a five month period.
  5. A one page discussion of the Dedicant's understanding of the meaning of the "Two Powers" as used in meditation and ritual. This account should include impressions and experiences that the Dedicant gained from practical experience.
  6. A brief description of the Dedicant's home shrine and plans for future improvements.
  7. A brief account of each ritual attended or performed by the Dedicant during the training period.
  8. The text of the Dedicant's Oath Rite and a brief evaluation of the rite.
  9. A brief account of the efforts of the Dedicant to find a Patron including an account of the Dedicant's Patronage Rite.
Site Map | Contact Me at Kirk @ druidkirk.org | ©2006 Kirk Thomas