Seed Groups
There are over 300 Groves and Seed Groups of the Order around the world. Any member may start a Seed Group, which in time may grow to become a Grove. Each Seed Group is likely to be different, and they are designed to be informal and relaxed – giving members the opportunity to meet and meditate together, and to discuss the course, Druidry, and topics of mutual interest.
Groves
A grove is a term which denotes not only a sacred clearing in the forest but also a group of Druids. Two members in the Druid Grade are needed to start a Grove.
A Grove may meet in a member’s house or garden, but more often than not they will try to meet out of doors – in a garden, forest clearing or local park. In addition to celebrating the eight seasonal festivals, they may come together to perform rites of passage, for example when a Grove member wants to name their child, or when members marry or pass over.
Some Groves will also meet regularly aside from these special times – perhaps once or twice a month. And at these Grove meetings there may be initiations of new members, ceremonies enacted or teachings explored. More often than not the meeting will become a social gathering – with impromptu story-telling and music-making, and with everyone bringing food and drink to share.
Gorseddau
A Gorsedd is an open Drudic ritual gathering. All are invited, no matter what tradition, to gather together at a sacred site to celebrate the turning of the season with ceremony, rites of passage, and open Eisteddfodau (Bardic performances). So bring flowers of the season, story, song and musical instruments. All the family are usually welcome. All that is asked is that you come with an open mind, and an open heart.
DISCOVER MORE
Learn more about Druidry and how to join the order
The practice of Druidry used to be confined to those who could learn from a Druid in person. But now you can take an experience-based course wherever you live, and when you enrol on this course, you join the Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids, and begin an adventure that thousands of people all over the world have taken. It works with the ideas and practices of Druidry in a thoroughly practical, yet also deeply spiritual way.
Are You Interested in Forming a Group?
The distance learning programme of the Order can provide you with all you need to follow the path of Druidry, but meeting with others to celebrate the festivals and share your spiritual journey can offer great support, introduce you to new friends and expand your horizons.
There may already be a group in your local area, please see the links above to find one listed on our website. If there are no groups near you, you may be interested in forming your own group.
The linked information below will help you understand what is involved if you decide to join a group, or are already in one, and it will also help you decide whether you’d like to start a group yourself.
