The Druidic College

I am often posed the question, “why Arthurian?” Why do we style ourselves as a “Celtic-Wiccan, Arthurian” order? The “Celtic-Wiccan” speaks for itself: the Celtic tradition of Wicca, which we feel is the most authentic and comfortable for us. But the “Arthurian” label confuses many. I believe this is because they tend to be familiar with only the romantic, “Tennysonian,” version of Arthur.

Ah! The sun is going down at last. These long spring evenings sure don’t give you much time to work! Time to make a move; get to work if I want to eat.

I think I’ll move to a better location. The last web didn’t yield much, too far from the dog run (if you know what I mean) and too close to that grumpy old wolf spider that hogs the whole bush.

This one should do nicely, nice thick hedge and a big clear space for my ‘flying victuals’. And what is that big shiny red thing? But it has that straight, polished twig sticking up nice and high. Yes this should do well.

May the bonfires of Beltane warm our hearts and light our future.

Firstly, I must congratulate those from both Groves who have recently advanced to the Order of the Birch. You know what was required of you to have come this far, and I am sure that you are equally aware of the responsibilities that you now take on as Bards. You have successfully passed the first milestone and there is a long, and yes sometimes winding, road ahead. But it is full of challenge, excitement and great satisfaction. Well done.

We have reached the time of year when the worst that Winter has to offer is well behind us. The wise, however, still keep an eye over their shoulder as Boreas can always surprise us with a parting icy blast. None the less, we now look forward to the growing light and the first of Spring’s flowers which always seem to pop up, no matter how hard the Winter!

If there is one thing I have learned in the dozen or so years that I have been leading this Order it is that little, if anything, is constant. That which we assume to be permanent will always finds a way to make us aware of the error of this illusion. Circumstances and people that we have come to rely on often change, take a diverging path or simply are found not to have been what they once appeared to be. While this can be disappointing and frustrating, not to say wearying, it is the very nature of life and we must accept it. After all, it would be a little boring if everything went according to plan, now, wouldn’t it. No challenge at all!