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Welcome!
Welcome!
SOME THINGS TO KNOW
Our rituals are free and open to the public.
Black Bear Grove and our parent organization, Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship are fellowships devoted to creating a public tradition of Neopagan Druidry. This means we welcome anyone who respects and wants to participate in our ritual. Children are welcome at the discretion of their parent or guardian. We ask that any minor (18 years old or younger) be accompanied by an adult.
All our rituals are outdoors.
No matter the weather we will be outside. Many of our rituals are in the Hoosier National Forest at primitive camp sites. This also means no restroom facilities. Sometimes we are under a roof of a picnic shelter or at a park that may have facilities. We list the location for each ritual in advance. Please be sure to prepare and dress appropriately for the weather and conditions. Otherwise, you can dress as “pagan-y” as you want. We often wear cloaks, tabards, wreaths and jewelry. We like to dress up for our Gods!
We always have a fire at our rituals unless there is a burn ban.
Fire is essential to the practice of Our Druidry, but we do follow local regulations to protect our Mother Earth. There will be experienced firetenders to ensure safety.
Our rituals can be long.
Each ritual is unique to the occasion and the Druid in Charge of that particular ritual. Since we only celebrate rituals 8 times a year and it can take some time and effort to set up the space, we like to spend some time in the outdoors and the space we create. Our rituals last from 1 1/2 to 3 hours, followed by revels (socializing and food), usually at the site. We begin each ritual with a briefing to explain the format and content of the ritual. We typically use a standard format for ritual called the Core Order of Ritual. For more information go to https://www.adf.org/rituals/explanations/index.html.
For those with alergies or sensitivities
We often burn incense and herbs for purifying and sometimes kerosene for torches. Being in the outdoors means exposure to pollen and bees and chiggers. With a fire there is smoke. Please take the appropriate precautions for your needs. If you have special needs, let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.
WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU AS A GUEST
Participate as much as you are comfortable (Our motto is “Just show up!”).
Show respect for the gods, the ritual and the gathered Druid community by speaking from your heart and joining in as you are inspired. Silence is also an acceptable form of participation. Take care of your needs and ask for help if you need it.
Ask questions during the briefing. That is the time to make sure we’re all clear about what we’re doing and why.
What ritual is like
Our rituals may involve any and all of the following: chanting; singing; dancing; reciting poetry; playing of drums and other instruments; creating art; sitting, standing and lying on the ground; speaking; shouting; howling; laughing.
What we suggest you may bring:
A chair (if you don’t want to stand for the entire ritual);
Offerings (these can be physical items, a musical offering, poetry, etc.);
A beverage or food for revels;
A canned good or monetary donation for the local food bank.
No one will be turned away for bringing none of these things.
Inspiration and borrowings for this page come from Three Cranes Grove and ADF. Thanks.
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