
Groves & Groups
Ivan Mcbeth
There are over 200 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.
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.
Full details of how to start a Grove or Seed Group see our guidelines ‘Treasures of the Tribe’.