Preface

It might seem superfluous to offer a FAQ on any form of Druidry, since information on generic Druidism is now generally available. But we are not generic Druids and, while there are many ways in which we mirror ‘Neodruid philosophy’, there are also many points of divergence between our own and other Paths. Neither the surviving stories of Avalon’s ‘Golden Age’ nor the modern retellings of her myths accurately reflect our beliefs or practices; thus if others are to have a real sense of what we believe and do it must come from us. May this information help to lend clarity to your decision, and offer some reassurance to concerned family and friends.

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Question (Q):   What is Avalon?

Answer (A):  Avalon is the Celtic name of a pre-Celtic Otherworld isle (Ynys Afalon, the ‘Apple Isle’),

whose origins lie deep in the native Dreamtime of Western Europe and parts of North America.

As myth, Avalon was later reconceived and immortalized in Arthurian legend. The Avalon Mystery Tradition

and Avalonian Tradition are modern names for a native (‘Faery’) spirituality arising from this Dreamtime.

Q:  Where is Avalon? Is it a real place?

A:  While some try to claim that Avalon exists only in one place or for one group or people, this is not our truth

in ADO. In our experience, Avalon is equally accessible in all places and times, and to all those who

know how to find and follow the heart’s hidden ways. We are taught (and have found) that she is very real

on every level.

Q:   Isn‘t Avalon all about Arthur and knights and the Holy Grail?

A:  While there is a part of Avalon’s mythos that includes knights, grails, and secluded monastic priesthoods,

Avalon’s roots are in the healing of the Wasteland as it was understood in the time before the warrior cults;

a time barely remembered by the Age of Arthur. It is from this taproot that our spiritual practice blossoms.

Q:  Who created and defines the Avalon Mystery Tradition?

A:  Folklore, literature and scholarship attest that Avalon existed long before any modern Avalonian mentors,

groups or lineages. It predates even the Celts. If one accepts that the ancestors created the Tradition,

then it follows that the ancestors defined it for us.

Q:  Who regulates the Avalon Mystery Tradition and its various Branches?

A:  The Tradition is self-empowered and self-regulating, therefore it has no central authority with the

right to impose standards or validate “credentials” for the whole Avalonian Tradition. The reach of a title’s

authority is limited to the circle of people that choose to recognise it at any given time. Usually it is limited

to the circle or group in which it is bestowed. Public acknowledgement of titles across different branches,

groups, or spiritualities remains a customary, but purely ceremonial courtesy.

Not all groups accept the idea of Tradition Branches. However, that ‘branches’ exist is evident both from

the myths and from the writings of modern Avalonian authors on both sides of the Atlantic, whose spiritual

practices are bound together by their common wellspring of Avalonian myth, motifs, folklore, cultures,

signature energies, and archetypcal sacred landscape. Avalonian Tradition is highly diverse, and groups may

found their spiritual templates on sufficiently different times and cultures as to warrant the term

‘denominations’; however, being Druids, we prefer the term ‘branches’.

Q:  How is ADO Druidry different from Wicca, Neopaganism, Neodruidism, and/or other forms of

Avalonianism?

A:  Not hard: (1) Our Sources, (2) Our Methods, and (3) Our Worldview.

• Our core teachings and spiritual practices derive mainly from Avalon’s oral tradition, and not from ceremonial magic, popular books, the ‘Barddas’, or the Annals of hostile cultures.
  

• We do not count conventional (‘Roman’) schooling as valid preparation for becoming a Druid, but  uphold the worldview, method, and standards handed down to us by our own mentors, as attested in primary sources, and as verified by our own experience, research, and scholarship.
  

• We see ‘Spirit’ and ‘matter’ as aspects of one animating force that is inherent in all Creation. From this force numerous orders of being emanate, including our own.
  

• We honour Land, Sea and Sky (and their respective powers) equally, rather than emphasizing only an Earth-Mother and/or Her Consort.
  

• We are pan/polytheists who understand the Gods as unique individual presences, rather than as aspects of one two beings. We know them as the shapers of our world and the mentors of humanity; descendents of three “families” or “ancestral houses” whose relationship is not psychological, but generational.
  

• We recognise that as cosmologies change, so do mystical/magical systems. Our belief system is governed by our own cosmology, and not that of mainstream Paganism or other Avalonian Ages or Archetypes.
  

• While we recognise the validity of the Neopagan/druid “Wheel of the Year”, our understanding, observance, and experience of the sacred year is substantially different.
  

Q:  What do Avalonian Druids do?

A:  We work to realize our full potential both as individuals and as members of a spiritual collective. Truth,

Love, Honour, Loyalty, Kinship, Justice and Wisdom are central values for all ADO members. We strive to

live in harmony with Creation, resanctify the land, reclaim our role as world stewards, and honour the

far ancestors through Dreaming and other acts of remembrance.

Q:   How does ADO convert or recruit new members?

A:  We don’t. Many who love the idea lack the discipline, discernment, drive, and commitment to become

Avalonian Druids or community members. ADO members are family, and family is a lifetime commitment.

If we have to persuade you, you’re not ready.

Q:  I’ve heard that Avalonians are pacifists. Isn’t being a pacifist unpatriotic?

A:  No, unless you consider love and honour Truth, Freedom, Justice, and Life somehow acts of treachery ...

Those who defend us surely deserve our gratitude, but they may still place their trust in the wrong things.

They have our prayers and compassion, but the way of violence is not our path.

Q: Who are ‘the real Avalonians’? How can I know who to believe?

A:  A tricky (but excellent) question ... Authentic Avalonian teachings are founded upon widely

recognised, uniquely “Avalonian” beliefs, concepts, motifs, and practices. Learn to recognise these

unique identifiers by studying extant scholarly and literary sources and you will soon have your answer. In

addition to their knowledge of the Tradition and familiarity with Avalon’s sacred sites, ‘real’ Avalonians

treat others with courtesy and respect, conduct themselves with integrity and dignity, have excellent

discernment, and cherish diversity (even within our own Tradition).

Q: Who is the head of ADO? Where do ADO’s spiritual credentials come from?

A:  Spiritual guidance for the Order is through the Elder Council; the Band of Guardians (BoG), Officers, and

staff see to the Order’s practical needs (see Bylaws for more information).

Q: Is ADO an offshoot of another Avalonian group?

A:  No, it is not. ADO is a completely independent spiritual Order within the greater Avalon Mystery Tradition.

Its spiritual beliefs and practices derive solely from its Founder and her Avalonian Druid mentors, and not

from any other paths, mentor(s), group(s), or Tradition branches.

Q:  How can you be ‘Avalonian’ if ADO is based in America?

A:  Being Diaspora does not eradicate blood lineage or spiritual ancestry. Like many native or Faery

faiths, we believe that cultures and spiritualities abide with their adherents -- wherever they choose to

dwell. The myths and histories themselves attest that the arrival of the Celts in the Isles was neither the

first nor the final, but the next chapter in a continuing story -- a story in whose unfolding all of their

descendants share and play an equally valid and vital role.

Q:  Can you prove your spiritual lineage, and why is lineage important?

A:  Actually, we can.  An ‘objective’ criteria defining Avalonian lineage already exists, and is shared by

scholars and modern Avalonian practitioners alike. This criteria defines Avalonian spirituality as existing

wherever Avalon’s unique identifiers comprise the core motifs, tenets, and elements of spiritual practice.

Ergo, ADO has an authentic Avalonian spiritual lineage and a valid place within the greater Avalon Mystery

Tradition.

The power of  lineage is not in age; it’s in ancestry, and in knowing how to draw wisdom from the

ancestral well. When we embrace a spirituality we also adopt its spiritual lineage, in much the same way as

we might be adopted into someone’s kin group through fosterage. If we remain true to this lineage and our

land, we remain rooted in ancient Tradition --even where its form may appear new.

Q:  Why can't I obtain a list of living/recent ADO 'Motherline' mentors?

A:  Avalonian Druids are not “Pagan celebrities”, but very private people. The names on such a list

would mean nothing to most people, but even were they famous, notoriety is no guarantor of a good

experience or “validate” your choice of mentor or group -- only you can do that.

We advise you to write to prospective groups and mentors. Meet them in person, if possible. Join their

public list(s), forums, and social networks. How do you feel participating there? Talk to past members, but

remember that (for better or for worse) groups and mentors change over time. Talk to current members for

a sense of where the group is now. Ultimately, trust your own instincts. Only you know what is best for you.

Q:  What is the significance of ‘Faery bloodlines’?

A:   Certain families are mentioned in folklore as having mated with Faery beings, and so are said to have

‘Faery bloodlines’. We consider such families to be the stewards of specific threads of ancestral

memory that act as warp and weft in the weave of Avalonian Tradition.

Q:  Didn‘t Druids conduct human sacrifices?

A:  There are deranged people in all times and walks of life. There are even deranged societies, but they do not

define our Tradition. In Avalon, all life is precious. We offer nothing in ceremony that has not been given

freely and with consent, nothing that would endanger the life of another being.

Q:  Who are the ‘Braithion’ and why haven't I heard of them before?

A:  The Celts themselves attest to having eradicated or suppressed the native tongues of the ‘First Peoples’

they conquered (and with whom they intermarried), thus we cannot know with certainty what the Braithion

called themselves. In the interest of allowing them a unique identity apart from that imposed upon them

by their conquerors, we have named them according to their nature as our lore reveals and remembers it.

Q:  Can you prove that your beliefs are true?

A:  No one can prove ‘belief’ empirically. ‘Evidence’ is subject to interpretation, and ‘facts’ change

with time and new understandings; thus we encourage Seekers to find their own proofs and verifications

of our teachings. However, as a mainly oral tradition ADO gives primacy to Traditional (spoken) teachings

even above that of mainstream ‘authorities’. Those who cannot do likewise will find little satisfaction on this

path. We make no apology for this.

Q:  If ADO is not a cult, why are your teachings secret?

A:  We do not tell people what to perceive; we teach them how to perceive. ‘Answers‘ arise from direct

personal experience. Your answers (like your experience) will be unique to you, and they will only be

revealed as you walk the path. Thus, the only ‘secrets‘ are the ones you keep from yourself.

Q:  Do Avalonians worship the devil or Satan?

A:  No. ‘Devils’ and ‘demons’ have no place in our spiritual belief.

Q:  Do Avalonian Druids believe in One Almighty God?

A:  We do not. We are taught that the impression of god-like omnipotence is an illusion created when beings

operate outside their accustomed spheres; thus it may be said that we have no Gods in the usual sense.

The closest concept in Avalonian Druidry to the idea of an “almighty” Being is our concept of Creation itself.

Q:  Does ADO have a Creation (‘Beginning and End/Final Judgement’) myth?

A:  We are taught that we are all the co-Creators of our shared reality (Creation), and that the reality

we experience is created moment by moment through our collective thoughts, words, and actions. Since

this process is perpetual, there can be no ‘beginning’ or ‘end’ myth; only a continually evolving

assessment of our individual and collective progress on the path.

Q:  How does Avalon see mankind’s ordained dominion over the Earth?

A:  We value all life equally. Thus our relationship to Creation is cooperative, rather than dictatorial or

superior.

Q:  Does Avalon have a ‘hell’ or ‘purgatory’? What happens to souls that have done great wrongs?

A:  No, the only hell we believe in is the one we make for ourselves -- and that is as real as we choose to make

it. Souls that commit great wrongs bring suffering on themselves and others, repeating the same

lessons and errors until they eventually resolve them. We see in these repeating patterns

opportunities for self-transformation and growth, teaching members how to end these painful cycles.

Q:  What is the reward for goodness?

A:  We believe that right thought and action opens us to the experience of ‘Harmony’ (Oneness with Creation).

The experience of Harmony imbues us with a sense of euphoric peace, joy, and gratitude; thus ‘goodness’

is its own reward.

Q:  Do you have a Druid version of the Ten Commandments? How do Avalonian Druids deal with

‘redemption’?

A:  No. Spirit does not “command” us; we are free to choose, and by our choices our worth is measured. We

believe that our own words, thoughts, and deeds condemn or redeem us, moment by moment, day by day.

Q:  Will I burn in hell if I choose to follow this path?

A:  Do you believe you will?

Q:  How do I deal with loved ones who insist that Avalonian beliefs imperil my soul? What is ADO's

relationship with other religious and spiritual groups?

A:  If people of other faiths refuse us the rights they afford themselves, then we face a choice: to walk in the

light of our own truth or to bow to others’ disapproval and live a lie. We cannot control other people, nor

can we tell you how to choose; we can only tell you to follow your heart and advise you to let others do

the same. Unfortunately, we live in intolerant times, and very few people are familiar with us or the Avalon

Mystery Tradition. Mainstream religions often view minority faiths with contempt; however, our

relationships with those organisations that have firsthand knowledge of us is excellent.

Q:  How do Avalonian Druids define ‘worship’ and ‘prayer’?

A:   In ADO we do not ask Spirit to resolve our problems for us; we pray to express our gratitude and to

ask support in working toward our own resolutions. Our worship is a form of respectful

communion with other Orders of Being, whose ties to our spiritual lineage are founded in relationships that

mutually enhance and benefit our spiritual development and growth.

Q:  Do Avalonians believe in ‘Karma’ or ‘Dharma’?

A:  We believe in soul debts (i.e. real or perceived imbalances that demand remedy and which may continue

to influence us until ‘repaid’). Working to recognize and release these debts is part of our personal and

collective spiritual work. While we do not use the term ‘dharma’, we agree that much needless pain may

be alleviated by closely following certain teachings that bring us closer to Truth.

Q:  Is ADO a religion or a spirituality? Isn't ‘Tradition’ just a different name for ‘Dogma’?

A:   Technically, ADO is both a spirituality and a religion: ADO belongs to a spirituality in that it follows

traditional spiritual beliefs and practices established by the far ancestors. It is a religion in that it is

incorporated as a 501(c)(3) religious nonprofit charity. But ‘Tradition’ is unrelated to ‘dogma’.

Tradition serves our form of Druidism as bones serve the body or as a musical score serves the musician:

unlike Dogma, a good structure does not strangle expression but guides, clarifies, and enhances it,

preserving the main theme within infinite variations. Tradition allows us to work ensemble and teaches the

structure through which the Druid Within may improvise.

Q:  Do Avalonian Druids believe in Reincarnation (Rebirth)?

A:  Not as it is understood in Eastern religions. We do not believe in a linear progression leading from

baseness to perfection; nor do we see the afterlife as a form of reward or punishment. We are taught that

as souls die to one world they are reborn in another, in a continuous spiral of growth and unfoldment.

Q:  How is Rebirth Different from Transmigration?

A:  Many people use the two terms interchangeably, but in ADO “transmigration” refers specifically to an

extremely rare process whereby a ‘great soul’ or ‘world teacher’ is reborn here immediately by

cohabitating with a consenting soul, to continue or complete certain spiritual work (similar to the Buddhist

belief regarding the rebirth of the Dalai Lama). “Rebirth” refers to the usual progress of the soul from life

to life. [MZB alludes to this practice when she has Taliesin ‘host’ the soul of the Merlin of Britain.]

Q:  Does ADO share the popular belief that Druidism is a philosophy applicable to any faith?

A: Though we honour the right of others to form nondenominational or even nonreligious Druid groups, that is

not our path. Those who join ADO must be prepared to embrace all of our teachings -- including

our particular brand of thealogical mysticism.

Q:  I’m considering joining, but my friends are against the idea. What should I do?

A:  What does your heart tell you? ... No human gathering is free of human failings. All groups have their light

and shadow; so hear your friends’ counsel, but realize that in the end all growth requires effort and the

only *right* path for you is the one your heart chooses -- whatever path that might be.

Q:  Will I have to quit my other spiritual groups if I join ADO?

A:  No, provided that your outside activities remain ethically and philosophically compatible with our

own. However, some groups do consider multiple memberships to be a conflict of interest. To avoid strife,

advise your current circles of your plans and obtain their written consent prior to joining.

Q:  Are Shamanism, Sweat Lodges, Pipe Ceremonies, etc., part of ADO spirituality? If not, can I

include them in my ADO spiritual practice?

A: Absolutely not. We keep to what our lore teaches is native to Avalon, even as other native/Faery Faiths

walk in the steps of their own spiritual ancestors. This is necessary for the Tradition's survival, but it is also

basic mutual respect. Thus we bring into ADO workings only that which is already part of Avalon.

Q:  Could I start a Wiccan branch of Avalonian Tradition?

A:  Only after you invent it... and not using ADO practices or teachings. We are not Wiccans. Your best and

most ethical approach would be to start from scratch using primary sources (e.g. your own ancestors),

rather than 'borrowing' from other paths or traditions.

Q:  I am studying Avalonian Druidry with a Mentor not named on this site: is their teaching valid

within ADO?

A:  Only approved ADO mentors are qualified to teach others ADO spirituality. Approved outside

coursework is identified on the Hedgerow School page hosted at this website.

Q:  Should I join several Avalonian groups in order to learn the Tradition faster?

A:  No. While commonalties exist between groups, the disparities will only serve to confuse you. Find a group

you like and stay put until you know the basics in your bones, before considering a move to another group.

Q:  I am the Lady of Avalon (the Merlin, the Pendragon, etc.) reborn, and I am not here to learn, but

to teach you. When do I start?

A:  That's very nice, but you see, we've already got some. Please seek elsewhere.

Q:  I am an ordained, titled, credentialed minister, Initiate, or adept someplace else. Why must I start

over again when I join ADO?

A:  You are not prepared to serve here, therefore be prepared to start over.

Q:  What if I have no interest in the Tribes or want to be in Avalon’s clergy, but not as a Druid?

A:  Then you must seek elsewhere.

Q:  I don’t want to be clergy, but I still feel called to Avalon: What are my options?

A:  Tribes members are not obliged to become clergy; however, your level of satisfaction will depend

completely on you and the place you give Avalon in your life.

Q:  Why does ADO have tribes members who are not clergy? Why isn’t everyone a Druid?

A:  The reasons are several:

      (1) Not everyone wishes to serve as a Druid, and some are not suited to it.

      (2) Not everyone can or will complete ADO Druid training.

      (3) There are many paths to service. Some members have other callings.

Q:  What are ADO study and community like?

A:  They are what you make of them. For those vigorously pursuing Avalon’s Druid Way, the experience of ADO

spiritual study and community is beautiful, illuminating, inspiring, and intense.

Q:  What is ADO ceremony like?

A:  While we do sometimes perform circle evocations or invocations, ADO is primarily a Dreaming community.

Our primary form of ritual and ceremony is rooted in the practices we call Dreaming (sometime called

spirit flight or spirit journey). These are along the oldest forms of ritual known to man and have retained all

of their original power. They will likely be very different from anything you have experienced.

Q:  How will following this path change my life?

A:  In every conceivable way... Ours is a dynamic, cathartic spiritual path. Those who embrace it fully may

expect their personal lives, and especially personal relationships, to change dramatically. Change is seldom

easy. To succeed, you must crave Truth and Harmony more than you fear letting go the self-image and

habits which now define you..

      We cannot change others; we can only change ourselves. Those who give themselves fully to this path may expect their lives to be completely transformed; how you will meet such a challenge only you can say.

Are you ready?

Copyright Notice: Text and background image copyright (c) 2000, 2010 by Morgaine for ADO. World rights reserved.

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This Hearthfire last kindled on: 11 May, 2011