If you have ever though of starting a grove of your own
and have been daunted by the prospect, here are a few tips and pointers that may aid you on your
journey.
There’s no reason really why anyone on a druid path shouldn’t start up
a grove of their own; it is a lot less daunting than would at first seem. Even if you are the only
person in the grove to start with, it is the intent that is important, and once that first seed has
been planted it can only grow from strength to strength.
What reason would you have to start up a grove then? Maybe you are looking for a
grove in your own area and are not having any luck in finding one. Why not take the bull firmly by
the horns and be the one to start one. Maybe you are one of many, who have come together in the name
of druidry, again a very good reason for forming a grove or maybe you are have been inspired and led
by divine forces.
What direction your grove takes depends on your own particular practice and way of
working and it is a good idea to take time to formulate the basic framework for the grove and a few
simple ground rules. Some rules can be shifted or redefined in the future when circumstances change,
and some cannot, but you do need a basic structure to start with.
Some points to consider which you may find helpful are the importance of ethics
and beliefs within the grove and making sure that the grove is firmly rooted in the “real
world”. It needs to be a grounding centre for the whole group.
You need to make it clear from the start that, as it is your grove, you will be
the one to have the last say in anything. This need not necessarily be in a heavy way but it is wise
to be firmly assertive when the need arises.
Know that you are coming together for learning and inspiration and that you will
all share in this process.
If you will be meeting in your own home, you will need to be clear about your own
boundaries. For example, there would be nothing worse than people still chatting away at well past
midnight if you have to get up early for work the next morning!
Be flexible, accept change and learn how to grow; do not be afraid to be individual and undefined if
that is the way you are!
After setting out the ground rules acknowledge the grove with a dedication
ceremony where the seed for future growth can be planted. You can at this time invite the spirit of
the grove, or spirit of the landscape in which you are working, to attend the rite.
Decide when or how often you will be meeting. Will it be for all the festivals or
any of the moon phases? Will the meetings all be closed or will outsiders be invited to any of the
festivals? Will you have social meetings as well?
The next step is to let people know about the grove. This can be by word of mouth,
distributing flyers or advertising in pagan publications and web sites such as The Druid Network.
Be aware that conflicts do arise from time to time within groups and consider how
you will handle them – for handle them you must. As grove leader you will be the one expected
to take action and make decisions. Hopefully though this is not something that will happen too
often.
Once the grove is set up and if others want it, a teaching programme can be
introduced as usually everyone has something useful and inspirational to offer each, but the
important thing is to learn and grow together.
Above all have fun and lots of laughter and share the gifts of your inspiration
with each and everyone.
Many blessings
Jan (moonwillow)
