Nine Paths of Knowledge
The Order of the Stone Circle has Nine Paths of Knowledge that are part of our study plan. In addition to other requirements, each degree level will include a Path of Knowledge for the initiate to explore.
1. Augur's Path
The Augur’s Path is designed to expose the student to concepts related to divination, omens, and augury. The initiate on this path will read three books on these topics either of a general nature or specific to Druidry. And then write a three-page summary of what they’ve learned.
2. Bardic Path
The Bardic Path consists of learning about music, poetry, and other arts. The initiate on this path will read at least three books about Celtic music, poetry, and art. And then write a three-page summary of what they’ve learned. Or in lieu of the standard three-page essay, the student on the Bardic Path may create and submit three pages of music, poetry, or art of a Druidic theme to complete this path.
3. Celestial Path
The Celestial Path seeks to expose the student to concepts related to astronomy, astrology, and astroarchaeology (the alignment of ancient structures to solar, lunar, or celestial events). The initiate on this path will read three books on these topics either of a general nature or specific to Druidry. And then write a three-page summary of what they’ve learned.
4. Dragon Path
The Dragon Path focuses on ley lines, stone circles, barrow mounds, and earth specific energies. The initiate on this path will read three books on these topics either of a general nature or specific to Druidry. And then write a three-page summary of what they’ve learned.
5. Green Man Path
The Green Man Path is all about trees, plants, and herbalism. The initiate on this path will read three books on these topics either of a general nature or specific to Druidry. And then write a three-page summary of what they’ve learned.
6. Cernunnos Path
Cernunnos Path is all about animals and animal totems. The initiate on this path will read three books on these topics either of a general nature or specific to Druidry. And then write a three-page summary of what they’ve learned.
7. Ritual Path
The Ritual Path seeks to expose the student to Pagan / Druid holy days (8-fold year or other) and the elements of Pagan / Druid ritual. The initiate on this path will read three books on these topics either of a general nature or specific to Druidry. At least one of these books should be about Druid ritual since the Druid ritual form is different from other Pagan paths and also varies among different Druid organizations. The initiate will then write a three-page summary of what they’ve learned. Or in lieu of the standard three-page essay, the student on the Ritual Path may create and submit a minimum of three pages ritual celebrating a Druid holy day.
8. Service Path
The Service Path is about community involvement. It is the one path that requires action and not reading. Spend at least 18 hours volunteering in your local community. This could be volunteering for a Pagan or Druid group, organization, or cause. If the options in your area are limited, this can be for a more mainstream group, organization, or cause. Initiate will keep a log of their hours and write a three-page summary of what they did, the mission and purpose of the organization they volunteered for, how this benefits the community, anything you learned, and so on.
9. Spirit Path
The Spirit Path focuses on the Three Druid Kindreds (i.e. Deities, Nature Spirits, and Ancestors). The initiate on this path will read three books on these topics either of a general nature or specific to Druidry. Books of mythology are great for learning about deities. The initiate will then write a three-page summary of what they’ve learned.