Question (Q): What is Avalon?
Answer (A): The Avalon Mystery Tradition is the modern name for one of the native religions of the
‘Old’ and ‘New’ Worlds, called by some “Faery Faiths”. Variants of the name ‘Avalon’ were used
by these native/Faery and early Celtic peoples to refer to the Otherworld. As myth, Avalon was
later reconceived and immortalized in Arthurian legend.
Q: Where is Avalon?
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.
Q: Is Avalon a real place or is it only real in my mind? Isn‘t Avalon all about Arthur and knights
and the Holy Grail?
A: We are taught (and have found) that she is very real on every level. 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 known in the time before the warrior cults, a
time barely remembered by the Age of Arthur. It is from this root that our spiritual practice
blossoms.
Q: How is Avalonian 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
diverge from “Pagan mainstream” practices (i.e. Wiccan, Neopagan/druid, Heathen, etc.), and
from some Avalonian groups, in a number of very important ways:
- We do not count conventional (‘Roman’) schooling as valid preparation for becoming a Druid, but uphold an ancestral worldview, method, and standard as taught by our own Mentors and theirs before them, as attested in primary sources, and as verified by our own experience, research, and scholarship.
- We are pan/polytheists, seeing ‘Spirit’ (mind/consciousness) and ‘matter’ (form) as aspects of the same animating force inherent in all Creation (both manifest and potential), from which emanate numerous orders of being, including our own.
- We honour Land, Sea and Sky (and their respective powers) equally, rather than emphasizing only the Earth-Mother and/or Her Consort.
- We know the Gods of these Three Realms as the shapers of our world and the mentors of humanity; descendents of three “families” or “ancestral houses”. Their relationship is not psychological (the only “aspects” being the phases or seasons through which all being must cycle), but generational.
- We recognise that as cosmologies change, so do mystical/magical systems (i.e. division of the sacred landscape, definition of elements, correspondences, directions, etc.). Our system is governed by our own cosmology, and not that of mainstream Paganism or other Avalonian Ages or Archetypes.
- While the names of our holidays may be familiar to mainstream Druids and Pagans, we do not observe them as prescribed by Gerald Gardner and Ross Nichols or other popular sources. Thus, our Sacred Year presents a unique and substantially different experience to that of other groups and spiritual paths.
Q: What do Avalonian Druids do?
A: We work to realize our full potential both as individuals and as members of the spiritual
collective. Truth, Love, Honour, Justice and Wisdom are central values for all ADO members. We
strive to live in harmony with Creation, to resanctify the land, reclaim our role as world
stewards, and honour the far ancestors through Dreaming and other acts of remembrance.
Q: Who created and defines the Avalon Mystery Tradition?
The lore teaches us that the far ancestors created and defined Avalonian Tradition. Avalon’s
existence is attested in folklore and literature prior to the appearance of any modern Avalonian
groups or lineages. Obviously, short of proving one's identity as the transmigrated soul of an
Avalonian luminary, no one living can honestly claim credit for anything that preceded them.
We can only take credit for own contributions to what the ancestors created. 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 there is no one “Lady of
Avalon”, “Merlin”, “Archdruid” or central authority with the right to impose standards or validate
“credentials” for the whole Avalonian Tradition. Thus the reach of a title’s authority is limited to the
circle of people that chooses to recognise it (e.g. the circle or group in which the title was
bestowed). Public acknowledgement of titles across different branches, groups, or spiritualities
remains a customary, but 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
diverse practices are bound together only by the fact of drawing from a common wellspring of
Avalonian myth, motifs, folklore, cultures, signature energies, and sacred landscape -- much as
Neodruidism is bound together by Western European myth cycles, cultures, and sacred
landscapes. The length of Avalon's timeline means that modern Avalonian groups derive their
spiritual templates from sufficiently different times and cultures (i.e. Ages and Archetypes) to
warrant the term ‘denominations,’ but being Druids, we prefer the term ‘branches’.
Q: How does ADO convert or recruit new members?
A: We don’t. Many who love the idea of joining an Avalonian Priesthood lack the discipline,
discernment, and drive to make their desire a reality. It is not enough to like the ‘idea’; you have
to follow through -- not for one day or one year, but day after day, year after year. Anyone who
could be persuaded to ‘convert to Avalon’ would demonstrably lack the integrity to fulfil such a
commitment.
Q: I’ve heard that Avalonians are pacifists. Isn’t being a pacifist unpatriotic?
A: Only if to love and honour Truth, Freedom, Justice, and Life is somehow an act 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: With so many groups and mentors claiming to be ‘the real Avalonians‘, how can I know who to
believe?
That’s a tricky (but excellent) question. No mentor or group is perfect, but the practices of those
following authentic Avalonian teachings will generally be founded upon widely recognised,
uniquely “Avalonian” beliefs, concepts, motifs, and practices, most of which have already been
identified by scholars from extant sources (see below). They will be respectful of others, encourage
diversity, work by consensus within Traditional parameters, and be deeply invested in
supporting the wellness of the Great Mother and the life She sustains.
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). Teachings
and spiritual lineage are through the Founder. As a self-empowered, self-regulated Tradition,
each Avalonian group sets its own standards and defines its own process for recognising levels
of attainment. In ADO, spiritual credentials are earned by demonstrating substantial knowledge,
skill, experience, and fitness (wisdom) through service. Spiritual authority is bestowed by the
Gods and recognised through formal investiture by our Elders, with the affirmation of our
spiritual community.
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 based upon media and
publications, rather than face-to-face contact. It cannot assure you 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. Are you comfortable with what you see? 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 can say 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, and consider ourselves equal with all life. 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: 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? How
is ADO perceived by other 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, mainstream attitudes often poison relations between spiritual
groups and paths. We seek to break out of this pattern by changing these attitudes within
ourselves, and by engaging with others in mutually respectful, collaborative efforts that serve the
common good.
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 they are ‘repaid’ and balance is restored). 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 do believe 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? How is ‘Tradition’ different from ‘Dogma’?
A: ADO is a spirituality in that it follows traditional spiritual beliefs and practices established by
its original founders (the far ancestors). As a 501(c)(3) religious nonprofit charity, it also
conforms to the legal definition of a religion. However, unlike mainstream religions, ADO has no
‘dogma’ (i.e. a constrictive body of doctrines enforced upon members by an established Church
authority). In place of dogma, ADO has Tradition. The Tradition provides our teachings with a
structure within a specific cultural context -- and that is something quite different from dogma.
The structure provided by Tradition serves our form of Druidism much as bones serve the body
or as a musical score serves the musician: A good structure does not strangle expression but
guides and enhances it, preserving the main theme within infinite variations. It teaches us the
discipline that makes playing ensemble possible and enhances our spirituality’s power; we
embrace Tradition as the structure for our spirituality Our Tradition teaches the structure from 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 a 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. It is an extremely rare
event, similar to the Buddhist belief regarding the rebirth of the Dalai Lama.
[MZB alludes to this practice in one of her novels, 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. Whatever group
you choose will have its 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: ADO members may explore other groups and spiritualities provided that their 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 to perpetuate each
spiritual tradition, but it is also just 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: While members remain free to pursue other spiritual practices outside of ADO, you may not
combine our teachings with those of other paths. Wicca derives from a different worldview that is
not interchangeable with our own. The two cannot (and should not) be combined.
Q: I am studying Avalonian Druidry with a Mentor not named on this site: is their teaching
valid within ADO?
A: No, it is not. Just as being a professor doesn’t qualify one to teach all subjects in all colleges, so
being an Initiate in one place does not make one an authority everywhere or in everything. 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.
Unless your current Avalon group is a poor fit or is unsafe, 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: How very thoughtful, 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
should I have to start over when I join ADO?
A: Because you are not titled, credentialed, or ordained here and are thus you are unprepared to
serve here as Druid clergy. Be prepared to start over.
Q: What if I want to be in Avalon’s clergy, but not as a Druid?
A: Then you must seek elsewhere.
Q: What if I want to be in Avalon’s clergy, but have no interest in the Tribes?
A: Again, you must seek elsewhere.
Q: I don’t want to be clergy, but I still feel called to Avalon: What are my options?
A: All members of ADO are members of our spiritual community (“the Tribes”). Tribes members
learn early Avalonian culture, develop a personal spiritual practice, and share their experiences
of Avalon with other ADO members. Tribes members need never 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) Some members have other callings. There are many paths to service, and “to each a craft or
calling, and a unique place at the Hearthfire.”
Q: What are ADO study and community like?
A: They are what you make of them. Our core members are highly motivated, life-long learners who
relish a challenge, love sharing their experiences (preferably face-to-face), and expect the same
from others. We do provide a cyber community for those obliged to share experiences at a
distance. 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: ADO has two forms of ceremony: public/open and private/closed (i.e. members only). Evocation is
our normal ritual form for public ceremony. The Order's primary forms of private or closed
ceremony are shared (community) Dreaming and Immrama. This fact sets ADO apart from most
paths and groups. Our reasons for adhering to these practices are simple:
- Shared Dreaming is our Tradition's oldest, safest, and most potent form of ritual;
- Shared Dreaming and Immrama are the ritual forms that are least susceptible to distortion, re-interpretation, and other abuses of power; and
- In a Dreaming community all circle members are true equals (i.e. there is no linear hierarchy, such as exists between “invoking” and “non-invoking” members).
ADO Groves seldom perform invocational ritual, but when we do we observe safeguards that are
unique to Avalonian Druidry and which are not taught in other branches of the Tradition. While all
Avalonian groups practice some form of Immrama (y Morio), only Avalonian Druids place a
primary focus on Community Dreaming.
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. While these changes will
likely be for the good, they are 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?
