Describe three culturally specific models for (re)creating the cosmos consistent with the Core Order of Ritual. (minimum 100 words for each model) All rituals within ADF include the (re)creation of the cosmos, which is a series of actions that create a sacred center by “creating the universe” through the lore of a particular hearth culture. In […]
Category: Clergy Program
Various articles and thoughts throughout the Clergy Program
Liturgy 1, #5
Discuss how the Fire, Well and Tree became parts of ADF’s sacred center, and the significance of each in ADF ritual. (minimum 100 words for each of the Fire, Well and Tree) Fire has always been a central focus in rituals across many cultures, appreciated as a gift from the Gods even. Sacrifices were thrown into […]
Liturgy 1, #4
Discuss the Earth Mother and her significance in ADF liturgy. (minimum 100 words) To me, the Earth is the sacred space in which we live. She is the mother of all things living on our planet, she is the creator the protector, and the destroyer. She is honored first in the liturgy within ADF, much like […]
Liturgy 1, #3
Discuss why ADF rituals need not have a defined outer boundary, or “circle” and explain the ADF’s method of sacralizing space. (minimum 100 words) In an ADF ritual, we create a vertical axis and sacred center that brings the three worlds together to create our sacred space for ritual. Before we open the gates between […]
Liturgy 1, #2
Describe some of the roles individuals might take on within the context of ritual. (minimum 100 words) Within CedarLight Grove, ADF, we have our own variety of individuals that have important parts in creating a ritual. They occasionally differ from what I’ve seen across other Groves within ADF, but it’s always interesting to learn how […]
Liturgy 1, #1
Define ritual, especially as the term applies to religious and spiritual work. (minimum 200 words) In Isaac Bonewits book, “Rites of Worship” (Bonewits, 29) , he states “A ‘ritual’ or ‘rite’ is any ordered sequence of events, actions, and/or directed thoughts, especially one that is meant to be repeated in the ‘same’ manner each time, […]
Nature Awareness #1
Describe the customs of two or three Indo-European cultures regarding the land and natural resources, and compare and contrast these practices with the prevailing modern attitudes. (minimum 300 words) Greece is a country surrounded by mountains, thin soil, and water, which prevented some use of their natural surroundings in regards to farming or living off […]
Nature Awareness #9
Identify one species of plant or animal in your local area which is threatened, endangered, or locally endangered, or which became extinct in historic times. Explain what destroyed or threatens this species locally, how does or might the absence of this species affect your locality, and what, if any, steps were taken or are being […]
Nature Awareness #13
Based on the research and conclusions you have drawn from question 1 through 12, describe how you might further extend your personal and/or group spiritual practices to include the Nature Spirits and other natural elements. (minimum 300 words) I’d really like to encompass more of my life-style into the natural world. Out of my Grove, […]
Nature Awareness #12
Based on your research for Questions 1 above, describe what sort of offering would be appropriate to make to the Nature Spirits in your area, and what would be an appropriate way to make such an offering and why. Discuss the potential ecological consequences of making this offering and ways to modify the offering in […]
