The Ovate level degrees are about gaining practical knowledge and experience in the Druid craft including divination, creating rituals, tree identification, astronomy, ley lines, and so forth.
The following three degrees may be embarked upon by Bards (3-6 years membership) or higher. After six years of membership in OSC, one automatically rises to Ovate status and may pursue the Druid level degrees.
4th Degree
Focus: Divination, Ogham, and Ley Lines.
- Memorize:
- The Ogham (English and Celtic names plus their basic divinatory meanings)
- Read the following books / stories:
- One book of your choice specifically on the Ogham.
- One book of your choice specifically on Ley Lines and/or Stone Circles.
- One other book of your choice related to Druidry or other Pagan paths.
- Practice doing Ogham divinations for friends and family until you feel proficient
- Practice finding Ley Lines and draw up two ley line maps (one for your own yard or a nearby park; one for a spiritual place or a wooded grove)
- Create a series of rituals for the year using a Druid ritual system of your choice. This should be at least four rituals, though you are welcome to do more. Each ritual should also honor one to three deities of your choice. These can be solitary rituals or group rituals with Grove members or other friends.
- 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).
5th Degree
Focus: Nature, Trees, and Animals.
- Read the following books / stories:
- One book of your choice on the Celtic Tree Calendar
- One book of your choice on animal totems
- One other book of your choice related to Druidry or other Pagan paths.
- Learn to identify the trees of the Ogham in nature based on their leaves, leaf patterns, bark, and other identifying characteristics.
- Discover your spirit animal through divination, meditation, or shamanic journeying.
- Create a series of rituals for the year based on the Celtic Tree calendar. This should be at least four rituals, though you are welcome to do more. These can be solitary rituals or group rituals with Grove members or other friends.
- 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).
6th Degree
Focus: The Heavens, Astronomy, and Astrology.
- Read the following books / stories:
- One book of your choice on astronomy
- One book of your choice on astrology
- One other book of your choice related to Druidry or other Pagan paths.
- Learn to identify the basic constellations and zodiac signs
- Create a series of rituals for the year based on constellations, the zodiac, or mythology related to the stars. This should be at least four rituals, though you are welcome to do more. These can be solitary rituals or group rituals with Grove members or other friends.
- 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).