Honestly, I only have one citation here because most of this is just from experience over my 11+ years in ADF. Thomas, Kirk. “The Nature of Sacrifice.” Ár NDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2014. <https://www.adf.org/articles/cosmology/nature-of-sacrifice.html>.
Category: Preliminary Courses
Cosmology 1: #7
Summarize each of the five contexts of sacrifice in Rev. Thomas’ “The Nature of Sacrifice” paper in your own words. Explain the effect of sacrifice on the cosmos and on the participants. (100 words min. for each context, 150 words min. for effect.) This is the first time I am reading Kirk’s article, so I […]
Cosmology 1: #8
What does it mean to be “purified” in ADF ritual? Why is purification important? What must be purified, and who may do the purification? (150 words min.) To be purified is to be cleaned and prepared for ritual. This is also a way for us to mentally prepare for what we are about to do, […]
Cosmology 1: #9
In many rituals we call for the blessings of the Kindreds. Where do these blessings come from, how are they provided to the folk, and why are we entitled to them? (200 words min.) The blessings that we receive are from the Kindreds are just that, gifts in the form of blessings that we receive […]
Cosmology 1: #5
Describe the purpose and function of the Gatekeeper in ADF ritual. Explain also who or what makes a good Gatekeeper, along with why they do, with at least two examples of mythological figures that could fill the role of a Gatekeeper and give an explanation of why they can. (300 words min.) The purpose of […]
Cosmology 1: #4
Explain why the fire is an essential element of ADF ritual, and what relation it has to the sacrifice. (150 words min.) Fire is an essential element in ADF ritual for many reasons, the main of which is the ability to send our offerings to the heavens and to the Gods. It is used to […]
Cosmology 1: #3
Explain the divisions of the cosmos in ADF ritual, and why the cosmos is divided in this way. (300 words min.) I have to be honest, I feel like I’m saying the same thing over and over for these essays, so a lot of this may be the same as previous essays. The division of […]
Cosmology 1: #2
Describe the physical items that exemplify the sacred center in ADF ritual, and how each constituent part reflects the vision of an ordered cosmos. (300 words min.) The physical items that represent the sacred center are the well, the tree, and the fire. These three physical objects are representations of gateways to their respective realms […]
Cosmology 1: #6
Describe the relationship between earth and sky in ADF ritual. (125 words min.) The earth and sky can be represented in ADF lore through the Two Powers meditation, or within our cosmological structure. The earth is the land, sea and sky of the Middleworld in which we reside. The sky above is the heavens in […]
Cosmology 1: #1
Describe the generation of the cosmos, and what is done in ADF ritual to ensure that the cosmos remains in order. (300 words min.) The creation or “generation” of the cosmos is where we recreate the creation of the world, and in doing so create a sacred space for ritual. The creation of the world […]
