Degree Program for Groves
Members who are part of a Grove, Chapter, or Circle will need to contact the Conductor and/or Secretary of your Grove to become part of the next degree seeking class within your Grove. Within Groves, initiations of new degree seekers take place as part of the annual Grove cycle in January. Throughout the year “Mystery” rituals for degree seekers take place during the Calans in February, May, August, and October. “Tests” and final graduations for degrees within Groves take place the following January. Groves should host the tests and graduations in early January so that continuing degree seekers can undergo initiations into the next level or degree later in the month.
Upon completing the requirements of each degree level, Grove Degree Seekers will take an oral test and should provide the Grove Conductor with a copy of their completed degree checklist for review. Degree certificates are typically presented at the full Grove meeting in March.
Chapters and Groves may impose reasonable fees for the completion and conferring of degrees to Grove members.
Grove Ovate Requirements
Ovates are traditionally known for their abilities of augury and divination.
The Ovate degrees will focus on the story of the Tuatha De Danaan, the Celtic deities and their mythology.
Familiarization with the structure and policies of the Order of the Stone Circle; Foundational studies in Druidry as a whole and Revivalist Druidry in specific; memorization of key Druid sayings and meditations; and participation in Druid holy days and rituals are all highlighted within the OSC Ovate Degree.
Grove degree seekers are expected to attend and take part in meetings, seasonal rituals, and Ovate level mysteries within the Grove setting.
Paths of Knowledge associated with the Ovate degree are: The Augar’s Path, The Green Man Path, and The Cernunnos Path.
Grove Bard Requirements
Bards are traditionally known for their abilities of music, poetry, and storytelling.
The Bard degrees will focus on the myth of Ceridwen and Taliesin.
Familiarization and memorization of Druid and Pagan songs and chants, the Ogham, the Celtic Tree Calendar, Tree Identification, Animal Totems, and participation in Druid holy days and rituals are all highlighted within the OSC Bardic Degree.
Grove degree seekers are expected to attend and take part in meetings, seasonal rituals, and Bard level mysteries within the Grove setting.
Paths of Knowledge associated with the Ovate degree are: The Bardic Path, The Spirit Path, and The Ritual Path.
Grove Druid/ Druidess Requirements
Druids and Druidesses are traditionally known for their knowledge, wisdom, and teaching.
The Druid / Druidess degrees will focus on the newer Druid figures of Merlin and of Morgan Le Fay. All degree seekers at this level will learn about both these figures. Coed groves and men’s chapters will focus on Mystery narratives related to Merlin. Coed groves might also consider offering both narratives in separate groups. Women’s circles will focus on Mystery narratives related to Morgan Le Fay. Those who progress past the Druid degree for Merlin or the Druidess degree for Morgan Le Fay have the option of participating in the Mystery narratives for the other figure, if those other Mysteries are offered in their Grove, Chapter, or Circle.
Familiarization and practice with finding Ley Lines, learning to identify constellations, and participation in Druid holy days and rituals are all highlighted within the OSC Druid / Druidess Degree. In the final level of the Druid / Druidess degree, you are asked to put your knowledge to work by teaching or volunteering in your local community.
Grove degree seekers are expected to attend and take part in meetings, seasonal rituals, and Druid / Druidess level mysteries within the Grove setting.
Paths of Knowledge associated with the Ovate degree are: The Dragon Path, The Celestial Path, and The Service Path.