Bard Level Degrees

This level is mainly reading, memorization, and exposure to Druid history, mythology, and concepts; including modern representations of the Old Gods and the Old Paths.  Because OSC and UAOD have limited books and writings, and because AODA is a similar Revivalist Druid tradition, a number of books by John Michael Greer have been included in our study programs. 

The following three degrees may be embarked upon by Initiates (0-1 year membership) and Apprentices (1-3 years’ membership) or higher.   After three years of membership in OSC, one automatically rises to Bard status and may pursue the Ovate level degrees.  In an ideal degree program, the degree level indicates the next level status you are aspiring to, not necessarily your current status in the organization (i.e. at the Apprentice level you are aspiring toward Bard level degrees.  At the Bard level, you are aspiring toward Ovate level degrees. At the Ovate level you are aspiring toward Druid level degrees.) We realize that some folks might start degree programs later in their membership or may take longer than a year to complete each level. 

1^st Degree

Focus: The Tuatha De Dannan and Druid Basics.

• Complete the Druidry 101 course
• Read the following books:
  • OSC Member Manual
  • The Druid Grove Handbook by John Michael Greer (for another perspective on Revivalist Druidry)
  • One non-fiction book of your choice related to Druidry
  • One book on the Tuatha De Danann in Celtic mythology. Our suggestion is Over Nine Waves: A Book of Irish Legends by Marie Heaney (1994)
  • One fictional book featuring ancient deities and magick that takes place during modern times. Suggestions include: The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne; the Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan; American Gods by Neil Gaiman; or a similar work.
• Watch one historical fiction movie related to the Druids and the Celts. Our suggestion for this level is The Druids (2001).
• A year of ritual focusing on the Tuatha De Danann (observe at least four holy days this year with rituals honoring the Tuatha De Danann). Use of existing rituals if fine, if they are available. Alternatively, you are welcome to participate in rituals performed by your local OSC Grove or by other Druid organizations. 
• Self-Study on one of the Nine Paths of Knowledge. Read at least three books related to your chosen path and write a minimum of three typed pages on what you learned.

2^nd Degree

Focus: Taliesin, Ceridwen, and more Druidry.

• Memorize the following:
  • The OSC Motto and Creed
  • The Druid’s Vow
  • The Druid Triple Law
• Read the following books / stories:
  • The Druidry Handbook by John Michael Greer
  • The Tale of Taliesin (often included in modern editions of the Mabinogion or other books of Celtic mythology)
  • The Book of Taliesin (you can find this online at: http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/celtic/ctexts/llyfrtaliesin.html)
  • One non-fiction book of your choice related to Druidry
  • One fictional book featuring ancient deities and magick that takes place during modern times. Suggestions include: The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne; the Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan; American Gods by Neil Gaiman; or a similar work.
• Watch one historical fiction movie related to the Druids and the Celts. Our suggestion for this level is The Mists of Avalon (2001)
• A year of ritual focusing on Ceridwen and Taliesin (observe at least four holy days this year with rituals honoring Ceridwen and Taliesin). Use of existing rituals if fine, if they are available. Alternatively, you are welcome to participate in rituals performed by your local OSC Grove or by other Druid organizations. 
• Self-Study on one of the Nine Paths of Knowledge. Read at least three books related to your chosen path and write a minimum of three typed pages on what you learned.  This should be a different path of knowledge than studied in your previous degree(s).

3^rd Degree

Focus: King Arthur, Merlin, and Revivalist Druidry.

• Memorize the following:
  • The Precepts of Merlin
  • The Druid’s Prayer
• Read the following books:
  • The Revivalist Druid Reader by John Michael Greer
  • One non-fiction book of your choice related to Druidry
  • One classic fictional book of your choice that tells the tales of King Arthur and Merlin.
  • One Pagan or non-fiction book of your choice about Merlin.
  • One fictional book featuring ancient deities and magick that takes place during modern times. Suggestions include: The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne; the Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan; American Gods by Neil Gaiman; or a similar work.
• Watch one historical fiction movie related to the King Arthur and Merlin. There are so many good movies on Arthur and Merlin, we will leave the choice to you.   
• A year of ritual focusing on Merlin and King Arthur (observe at least four holy days this year with rituals honoring King Arthur and Merlin). Use of existing rituals if fine, if they are available. Alternatively, you are welcome to participate in rituals performed by your local OSC Grove or by other Druid organizations. 
• Self-Study on one of the Nine Paths of Knowledge. Read at least three books related to your chosen path and write a minimum of three typed pages on what you learned.  This should be a different path of knowledge than studied in your previous degree(s).