Types of Groves
Given that the heyday of fraternal revivalist Druidry has passed, we do not expect to support the scope of fraternal lodges that existed in the past. For that reason, we offer some flexibility in the types of groves that can be formed.
Men's Groves
Also referred to as “chapters.”
All groves require a minimum of seven members. Unisex groves are allowed as Fraternal Druid organizations were historically unisex. Men may wish to come together for male bonding or for exploring the masculine mysteries of Druidry and Paganism in a safe and understanding environment. Gay and bisexual male Druids may wish to create separate Groves exploring homosexual and bisexual men’s mysteries within Druidry and Paganism. Men’s Groves are expected to accept Trans individuals of the masculine gender. All-male groves will be referred to as “Chapters.”
Women's Groves
Also referred to as “circles.”
All groves require a minimum of seven members. Women’s experiences with Druidry can be different from those of men. Within Fraternal Druid history, women often came together in all-female Groves called “Circles.” Among the Ancient Druids, male and female Druids studied separately. All female groves can explore the feminine mysteries of Druidry and Paganism in a safe and understanding environment. Lesbian or bisexual female Druids may wish to create separate Groves exploring homosexual and bisexual women’s mysteries within Druidry and Paganism. Women’s Groves are expected to accept Trans individuals of the feminine gender. All-female groves will be referred to as “Circles”.
Coed Groves
Simply called “groves.”
All groves require a minimum of seven members. Many folks will want to study in coed groups and that is just fine. Coed groves will explore Druidry in a more general nature that appeals to both men and women. Coed groves are referred to as “Groves.”
Triads
Smaller “study groups” with up to 6 members.
Triads are essentially groups of at least three members who wish to study the Druid path under the auspices of OSC. While a Triad is technically three people (hence the name), we will admit Triads of up to six members as a minimum of seven members is required to open a Grove. Triad members are welcome to participate in general events of the Order and to undertake any self-study degree programs we may offer reporting directly to the OSC High Council.
Solitary Members
One person studying alone by choice or because there is no grove in your area.
We realize that most likely there will not be a Grove in your area, so we offer the opportunity to become a solitary member of OSC. Solitary members are welcome to participate in general events of the Order and to undertake any self-study degree programs we may offer – reporting directly to the OSC High Council.
Cyber Groves
Online groves allow for membership across the distances.
As of 2021, OSC has allowed for the formation of Cyber Groves. These are groves, chapters, and circles that meet exclusively or almost exclusively online through online video meeting platforms such as Zoom, Facebook Rooms, Google Meet, FaceTime, or any other platform that members of such a grove should agree upon. Cyber Groves allow for members from across vast geographical distances to meet and form Groves. This is especially helpful for those without a physical Grove existing in their area.