Original Blog can be found at: http://cadella.livejournal.com/4619.html

 

I’ve chosen to take the first steps on the Dedicant Path so I can understand my own connection to the divine better, and to eventually serve as a member of the clergy. I would also like to merge my two spiritual paths – Roman Paganism/Strega and ADF Druidry – into one by founding an ADF protogrove. There are many things that building a grove and going through the Dedicant Program and Clergy Program have hand in hand. From what I understand, they compliment each other well.

I’m unsure if this is a step in my path or if this will become the Path itself. From where I sit now, this is simply a step in my path, but I can see how it could become the Path as I find myself contemplating each question carefully and wanting to get the most from the experience. Is it possible it will become the Path itself for the time I am studying via the Dedicant Path, and then my path will merge into the next ADF study program? I do get passionate about my studies in that regard.

I expect to learn a lot from the ADF Dedicant Program. I want to learn to feel comfortable and at home with the format of the ADF ritual. I want to reach a new level of meditation with the Two Powers meditation. I also hope to learn a lot more historical truth than fakelore. That’s one thing I really respect about ADF; they would rather have facts than a romanticized fiction.

I expect to get a lot out of this journey. In addition to completing the Dedicant Program and being able to move forward. I expect to build up more of a respect for the Wheel of the Year. As a Roman Pagan in a mostly Wiccan and Celtic Pagan geographic area, I get so fed up with people saying they are Roman or Hellenic, but they follow the Wheel. Since I’m dedicating to ADF and taking my education with them seriously, I’m hoping a better relationship with that damn Wheel will emerge.

This path will take me to a place where I can either start the Initiate’s Program or the Clergy Program. Both are programs I want to complete. I’ll probably decide which to do first based on where my protogrove is at the time. If it looks like we could turn into a grove shortly, then I’ll probably go right into the Clergy Program. If we’re still building our numbers and we’re taking it slow, I’ll go to the Initiate’s Path next. Either way, I’m looking forward to completing all three programs.

I’ve started and stopped this journey many times over the past nine years. I honestly don’t know why it fizzled out so many times before, but this time it feels like the momentum is building and I’m going to actually do it this time. It’s probably because both my children are in school now and I finally have time to myself that I can count on and set aside to do my spiritual studies. Being a mother of very small children is all consuming. Now that I’m thinking about teaching them spirituality, it feels good to belong to ADF and know that I can teach my children ADF Druidry.

The actual work looks easy enough, but being consistent is the hard part. But this time I’m going to be forgiving on myself if I fall behind schedule. If I don’t complete 52 lessons within 52 weeks, it’s ok. I can take as long as I need. Each lesson I complete makes me one step closer to being an actual Dedicant.

The requirements that look hard is the journaling. Not that journaling is hard, but finding the time to do it and be thorough and consistent is hard for someone who procrastinates sometimes. Another requirement that looks hard is leading my own ADF rituals. I’ll have to keep referring to the outline to make sure I have it right and what the next step is.

The requirement that will be easiest for me is the book essays! I’m a bookworm as it is, always have been, so to have an excuse to make time in my day to read is going to be very satisfying.

I don’t have any questions or concerns at this time. I simply have excitement!