Order Rule

I Mission Statement

The Ancient and Honourable Order of the Sacred Oaks exists to serve the religious, spiritual and educational needs of its members within the Druidic, Wiccan and Neopagan community. It is meant to support, nurture, educate and, when and where necessary, shield and protect its members. It is the governing body of all subordinate groups, chartered as Groves, of the Druidic College and of the Ordination Board.

II Structure of the Order

A The Great Council and Officers

The Order shall be administrated by the Great Council, which shall consist of the Archdruid, the Pendragon, the Herald, the Hierophant, the Prifardd, and the Chosen Chiefs of all chartered groves. It has the sole right to grant and withdraw charters, and is a final court of appeal for all inter and intra grove disputes. It shall meet at a minimum on an annual basis and on an ad hoc basis as required to meet the needs of the Order and its subordinate organizations.

i) Archdruid

Tree Ash/Nuin

Colours Purple and Gold

Animal Totem White Bull

The Archdruid is the supreme Order authority. He oversees all aspects and functions of the Order. He chairs the Great Council and, with the Council, gives advice and consent to the Druidic College and the Ordination Board, of which he is an honorary member. The Archdruid shall be elected for life by the membership at large. He shall be a Master Druid.

Pendragon

Tree Rowan/Luis

Colours Purple and Silver

Animal Totem Red Dragon

The Pendragon is the second highest officer in the Order and advisor to the Archdruid. He may be designated to assist and/or stand-in for the Archdruid as necessary. He is an honorary member of the Druidic College and the Ordination Board. The Pendragon shall be elected for a six-year term by the membership at large. There shall be no term limit. He shall be a Master Druid.

Hierophant

Tree Ivy/Gort

Colours Purple and Forest Green

Animal Totem Raven

The Hierophant is the principle high priest/ess and chair of the Ordination Board. He shall serve on the board of the Druidic College. He shall be elected by an ad hoc council of grove high priests/esses for a six-year term. There shall be no term limit. He shall be, at a minimum, an Ovate.

Herald

Tree Beech/Phagos

Colours Purple and Blue Green

Animal Totem Grey Wolf

The Herald is the chief magister and chair of the Druidic College. He shall serve on the Ordination Board. He shall be elected by an ad hoc council of the grove magisters for a six-year term. There shall be no term limit. He shall be, at a minimum, an Ovate.

Prifardd

Tree Aspen

Colours Purple and Royal Blue

Animal Totem Salmon

The Prifardd is the chief bard and the editor-in-chief of all Order publications, printed and electronic, and chair of the editorial committee. He shall serve on the Ordination Board and on the board of the Druidic College. He shall be elected by an ad hoc council of the grove bards for a six-year term. There shall be no term limit. He shall be, at a minimum, an Ovate.

Elections

An election committee, appointed by the Great Council, will accept nominations for Order officers at Alban Elued (Fall Equinox). A secret ballot vote of all eligible Order members will take place at the New Moon prior to Samhain. The winners will be those with a simple majority and will be announced immediately following ballot counting. Terms will begin at Samhain.

Minimum Levels

Except as noted above, all officers shall be, at a minimum, an Ovate. Where no Ovate is available, the Great Council shall, at its discretion, appoint an initiated member in good standing to the vacant office within 30 days of the office becoming vacant. Appointments shall be for one year or until the next election, which ever comes first.

Where a member has been twice appointed to, and served in, an office, the minimum eligibility level shall be waived and that member will be eligible to stand for election to that office. If elected, the member must undertake to achieve the required level as expeditiously as possible.

Recall

Any member in good standing, with five seconders, may introduce a Bill of Recall at a Great Council meeting. An officer will be removed from office upon a two-thirds majority vote of all eligible voting members. The vote must be taken within one month of the Bill being introduced.

Resignation and Replacement

Order officers who cannot or choose not to finish their term of office may resign in writing to the Great Council. Officers should notify the Council, through the Archdruid, of their decision, as soon as possible so that a replacement can be appointed by the Council.

B The Druidic College

The educational requirements of the Order shall be administered by the Druidic College.

It shall be responsible for overseeing the tutorial and educational programs of all chartered groves, and selecting and administering the criteria, curriculum and other requirement for advancement in the three internal Orders, Oak, Yew and Birch. It shall be chaired by the Herald and consist of the elected magisters of all chartered groves, the Archdruid, the Pendragon, the Hierophant and the Prifardd. The College shall coordinate with the Ordination Board to establish a program of instruction for aspirant clergy.

C The Ordination Board

The ordination of Order clergy shall be administered by the Ordination Board. The Board shall be responsible for setting criteria for the selection, certification and ordination of the Order priesthood and overseeing the formulation and structure of Order liturgy. In conjunction with the Druidic College, the Ordination Board shall establish an educational curriculum to meet the requirements of instructing aspirant clergy. It shall be chaired by the Hierophant and consist of the High Priests and High Priestesses of all chartered groves, the Archdruid, the Pendragon the Herald and the Prifardd.

III Structure of the Groves

At a minimum, five (5) individuals may petition the Order for a charter as a new grove. The individuals must meet the criteria and requirements necessary to join a grove. The charter shall be granted provisionally for a year-and-a-day, at the end of which time it shall be confirmed, withdrawn, or extended provisionally for a further year-and-a-day or until delinquent requirements are satisfied. As first order of business it shall adopt a set of grove bylaws, to be called the Grove Rule, in compliance with those detailed herein. It shall also conduct all rituals in compliance with the Order liturgy.

Each Grove, upon the receipt of its charter, shall elect by popular vote a Grove Council in compliance with the following criteria. This Council shall hold business meetings open to its initiated membership and Order representatives at no less than monthly intervals except as prevented by calendar conflicts.

Each Grove will establish an Outer Circle for those wishing to attend Sabbats but not participate in the benefits of full membership. Members of the Outer Circle may be fully initiated members or at minimum have undertaken aspirant membership initiation. They may attend sabbats (and esbats and tutorials by membership agreement). They shall not have a vote for any election nor be eligible to hold office. They shall not pay dues but may make voluntary contributions.

A Grove Council and Officers

The Grove Council shall consist of seven elected officers as defined herein:

i) Chosen Chief (Princeps Nemus)

Tree Oak/Duir

Colours Black & Gold

Animal Totem Green Dragon

The Chosen Chief is the supreme Grove authority. He coordinates and oversees all aspects and functions of the Grove and chairs Grove Council meetings. The Chief shall serve as the Grove representative to the Great Council. The Chief shall be of the Order of the Oak, a Master Druid.

High Priest/ess (Pontifix)

Tree Yew/Ioho

Colours Forest Green & Silver

Animal Totem Crane

The High Priest/ess guides and reviews Grove rituals, ensures compliance with the liturgy, and oversees spiritual development programs. Along with the Chief, he ministers to the individual and group needs and shall be, at a minimum, an Ovate. The High Priest/ess shall serve as the Grove representative to the Ordination Board. He is responsible for keeping and maintaining Grove altar tools and ritual equipment.

iii) Scribe (Scriba)

Tree Hazel/Coll

Colour Red

Animal Totem Owl

The Scribe keeps Grove records, lists of membership, and meeting minutes. He will publish and distribute them as necessary and authorized. The Scribe handles day-to-day correspondence and initial public contacts and inquiries.

iv) Pursewarden (Aerrarii Praefectus)

Tree Apple/Quert

Colour Yellow

Animal Totem Eagle

The Pursewarden collects monthly dues, keeps financial records, distributes payments, and maintains the two-signature Grove bank account. He will present a treasury report at each monthly Grove Council meeting, and a quarterly balance sheet at Yule, Vernal and Autumnal Equinox, and Summer Solstice. He will also present an annual financial statement for review at the Gorsedd. Upon change of office, all financial records will handed over and reviewed in a timely manner, and prior to a new Pursewarden taking responsibility for the treasury.

Magister (Magister Princeps)

Tree Pine/Peine

Colours Blue-Green & Grey

Animal Totem Bear

The Magister coordinates Grove educational programs, including the monthly tutorials, maintains Grove educational and Order records, and chairs the Grade Awards Committee. The Magister shall serve as the Grove representative to the Druidic College. He shall be, at a minimum, an Ovate.

vi) Sword Bearer (Baiulus Gladius)

Tree Holly/Tinne

Colour Maroon

Animal Totem Hound

The Sword Bearer acts as summoner, and gatekeeper at Grove rituals and functions. He enforces order and rules, collects fines, keeps and maintains Grove equipment and some ritual tools.

vii) Bard (Vates)

Tree Birch/Beith

Colour Blue

Animal Totem Stag

The Bard maintains the Grove library, monitors book lending/return, and makes book purchases. The Bard will also edit and distribute the Grove newsletter under the oversight of an editorial committee appointed by the Grove Council.

Minimum Levels

Except as noted above, all officers shall be, at a minimum, a Bard. Where no Bard is available, the Grove Council shall, at its discretion, appoint an initiated member in good standing to the vacant office within 30 days of the office becoming vacant. Appointments shall be for one year or until the next election, which ever comes first.

B Elections

An election committee, appointed by the Grove Council, will accept nominations for Grove officers at the Gorsedd. A secret ballot vote will take place at the New Moon prior to Samhain. The winners will be those with a simple majority and will be announced immediately following ballot counting.

C Term of Office

The term of office for all Grove officers shall be three years, commencing at Samhain.

There shall be no term limits.

D Removal from Office

Any member in good standing, with two seconders, may introduce a Bill of Recall at a Grove Council meeting. An officer will be removed from office upon a two-thirds majority vote of all eligible voting members. The vote must be taken within one month of the Bill being introduced.

E Resignation from Office

Grove officers who cannot or choose not to finish their term of office may resign in writing to the Grove Council. Officers should notify the Council, through the Chief, of their decision, as soon as possible so that a replacement can be appointed by the Grove Council.

IV Membership

Membership in the Groves shall consist of two main levels; Initiated Members; Associate Members; and a sub-level, the Outer Circle.

A Initiated Members

Initiated members are members in good standing who have been fully initiated into the Grove. They are eligible (either through election or appointment) to hold office, to vote on all applicable matters, to apply for advancement in the internal Orders, and pay dues. Those who have not ascended to membership in the internal Orders shall be styled Novices. They shall wear a white robe and white belt.

B Aspirant Members

Aspirant members are probationary members of the Grove, who may attend all Grove functions, are entitled to speak at meetings, but who are not eligible to vote or hold office.

Regardless of prior experience or membership in other organizations, applicants may be accepted as aspirant members upon petition to, and approval of the Grove Council. Aspirants may petition for full (Novice) membership after successfully completing the probationary period of one year, or may apply to the Grove council for a review of the probationary period after no less than six months. They may wear any colour robe except white and avoiding blue and green. Grey is recommended.

Members of the Outer Circle shall be as described in Article III, Structure of the Groves.

C Screening

Individuals who express interest in joining the Grove shall be screened according to the following format.

They shall have an initial interview with several full members. If satisfactory, they will be invited to the next Sabbat and provided with a reading list from which to choose several books/articles.

Upon agreement of the Grove Council, the candidate shall be invited to a second Sabbat, at which time an formal interview will be arranged to discuss their knowledge level, experience, readings and for them to present written answers to the following three questions:

What is your understanding of Druidry and Wicca?

What do you expect to get from joining the Grove?

What do you expect to contribute to the Grove?

The Grove Council will evaluate the candidate’s responses and, if successful, advise the candidate they may petition for associate membership. Upon acceptance, the candidate shall be invited to the next Esbat, at which they will be initiated as an Associate Member.

D Responsibilities of Membership

Attendance and Participation

Attendance and participation at Grove functions, especially rituals and tutorials, are essential to both the growth and development of the individual member, the Grove, and the Order. They demonstrate a commitment to the Grove and to the Druidic movement.

One absence without prior notification and good reason shall warrant a telephone contact from the Sword Bearer and a $1.00 fine

A second absence without prior notification and good reason, within a period of one year, shall warrant a written contact from the Sword Bearer advising of possible disciplinary action and a further fine of $2.00.

A third absence without prior notification and good reason, within a period of one year,

shall result in the individual being called before the Grove Council, and may result in disciplinary action including, but not limited to, a fine of $5.00 and possible suspension.

Every effort should be made through guidance and counseling to avoid the above sanctions. (see item v )

Fellowship

Fellowship is an integral part of Druidic philosophy. Grove members are expected to be supportive of their fellows and to encourage each other’s spiritual and communal growth.

Pursuing Advancement

The pursuit of advancement in Druidic knowledge, skills and training ensures the growth of the individual, of the Grove, and the Order. The Grove recognizes that individuals have different needs, aspirations and learning abilities, as well as available resources such as time. It will do everything within its power to reasonably assist members in the pursuit of Druidic goals.

Dues and Fines

Members shall keep current with their dues to ensure that Grove services will continue for the good of all members. Dues shall be $5.00 for each fully initiated member, due at each Tutorial/New Moon. Fines are due upon being levied.

The Grove Council may waive one month of dues in cases of extreme hardship, upon a two-thirds majority vote of the Council. Payment in kind may be arranged for a very limited time when no other arrangements may be made, but these shall not be of contributions that would ordinarily be made in the regular course of events.

Sabbaticals

Members may petition the Grove Council for a sabbatical (time off) from Grove activities for a period of up to six months without loss of membership standing or grade. Time on sabbatical will not count toward advancement minimums. Members on sabbatical will not be responsible for payment of dues, and will not have voting privileges.

E Disciplinary Actions and Expulsion

The following actions may be considered grounds for review and disciplinary action by the Grove Council:

Purposefully or negligently revealing confidential Grove information.

Speaking derogatorily or maliciously about fellow Grove members or policies.

Disruptive, combative or argumentative behavior at Grove rituals or functions.

Subversive activities designed to undermine the stated Grove mission, functions or endeavors.

Failure to abide by or willfully disregarding the Grove Rule, accepted policies, or Council decisions.

Attendance irregularities as outlined in Section D i.

V Internal Orders

The Ancient and Honourable Order of the Sacred Oaks, through the Druidic College, shall offer three internal Orders of advancement above that of Novice. The Druidic College shall set the criteria for advancement, direct, and oversee the instruction, evaluation and examination of candidates for each Order, in accordance with, but not limited to, the criteria set forth in this Rule. Actual instruction, evaluation and examination shall be the responsibility of the individual Groves under the supervision of the Druidic College. See the Druidic College, Requirements for Advancement and Curriculum Outline for more specific guidelines.

I Order of the Birch ~ Bardic Level

II Order of the Yew ~ Ovate Level

III Order of the Oak ~ Master Druid Level

I Order of the Birch (representing New Beginnings)

The Bard must achieve and demonstrate a sound knowledge of:

druidry, history and philosophy

Celtic history and culture

Celtic mythology, the pantheon and traditions

Bardic traditions, triads, poetry and storytelling

the Wheel of the Year, the eight Sabbats

ritual and liturgy, write and lead a simple ritual

elementary Wicca

elementary magick, concept and practice

train as a novice Bard (Novice) for a minimum of a year-and-a-day.

Advancement will be granted on successful completion of an oral and written examination.

The Bard shall wear a blue tabard with black trim over the white Druidic robe and be entitled to the style, “Bard,” with all rights and privileges thereto afforded.

II Order of the Yew (representing Death and Rebirth)

The Ovate must achieve and demonstrate a sound knowledge of:

divination

healing and herb lore

tree lore

the Ogham alphabet and calendar

the Greek alphabet

intermediate Wicca

intermediate magick

continue advanced studies in the Bardic level

train as a novice Ovate (Bard) for a minimum of two years.

write and lead a Sabbat ritual

Advancement will be granted on successful completion of an oral and written examination.

The Ovate shall wear a green tabard with silver trim over the white druidic robe and be entitled to the style, “Ovate,” with all rights and privileges thereto afforded.

III Order of the Oak (representing Wisdom)

The Master Druid must achieve and demonstrate a sound knowledge of:

astronomy/astrology

stone lore

administration and druidic law

celtic shamanism

advanced Wicca

advanced magick

advanced studies in the Bardic and Ovate level

train as a novice Master Druid (Ovate) for a minimum of

two years.

Advancement will be granted on successful completion of an oral and written examination and a defended academic paper.

The Druid wears a white tabard with gold trim over the white druidic robe and is entitled to the style, “ Master Druid,” with all rights and privileges thereto afforded.

VI Meetings, Rituals & Grove Functions

A Sabbats

Sabbat rituals will be celebrated on a pre-selected day closest to the actual date of the Sabbat. Pre-selected days for sabbats, esbats and tutorials should be constant and selected by the grove as a whole when first established. They may be changed by majority consent on an ad hoc basis or permanently at the annual Gorsedd. As festivals, sabbats are open to guests (by invitation), spouses, significant others, and children of members and guests.

B Esbats

Esbat rituals will be celebrated on the pre-selected day closest to the Full Moon. Due to the more esoteric nature of esbats, they are closed to all except initiated and aspirant members. Initiated Druids from other Groves and orders, or initiated coven members may be invited by special arrangement with the Grove.

C Tutorials

Tutorials will be held on the pre-selected day closest to the New Moon. They are closed to all except initiated members and special guests as outlined in Article VI B.

D Annual Gorsedd

Each Grove will hold an annual Gorsedd within a fortnight of Lughnassadh at a time and place to be determined by the Grove Council.

E Responsibilities

The High Priest/ess is responsible for supervising, coordinating and assigning rituals. They will ensure that they are in line with Order liturgy and on the theme designated.

Those assigned to conduct rituals, usually two members per ritual, will submit a completed outline to the High Priest/ess no later than two weeks prior to the event. They will provide an outline of the ritual, “script”, and any necessary materials, for each member attending the ritual. Costs of copying and other materials may be recovered from the Grove.

The Magister is responsible for supervising, coordinating and assigning tutorials. They will ensure that they are in line with Order policy and on a subject selected from the Magister’s list of approved topics, or an alternate topic with prior approval. Those assigned to conduct tutorials will submit a completed outline and lesson plan to the Magister no later than two weeks prior to the event. They will provide at least a one-page lesson outline and appropriate copies of any accompanying documents for each member attending the lesson. Costs of copying and other materials may be recovered from the Grove.

F Annual Calendar

The Grove Council will have produced an annual Grove calendar at the Gorsedd. It will contain, at a minimum, the dates of all Esbats, Sabbats, tutorials, and tentative dates for special events and extra ordinary meetings. A copy will be provided for each member. Changes to the calendar may be made by a simple majority vote of members present at a Council meeting.

G Publications

Good communications being essential, the Order will publish a newsletter each Sabbat. The Prifardd and the Bards of each Grove will edit the newsletter under the auspices of an editorial committee appointed by the Great Council. Officers shall be responsible for submitting, in a timely manner, contributions pertaining to their office for each edition.

The Order and/or Groves may maintain web sites edited by Web Masters appointed by the Prifardd and Great Council and under the auspices of the same editorial committees.

VII Grove Affiliations

Other than the affiliation with The Ancient and Honourable Order of the Sacred Oak, Groves may affiliate with other groups upon a two-thirds majority vote of all eligible Grove members. Such affiliations are subject to the advice and consent of the Great Council and shall in no way conflict with Order or Grove Rule, directives or decisions.

VIII Amendments to the Rule

Amendments may be made to the Order Rule with the approval of a two-thirds majority vote of all eligible Great Council members. Proposed amendments shall be submitted in draft to the Great Council, and must be published in all Grove newsletters before being discussed and voted on.

Amendments may be made to the Grove Rule with the approval of a two-thirds majority vote of all eligible Grove members. Proposed amendments shall be submitted in draft to the Grove Council, and must be published in the grove newsletter before being discussed and voted on.

All changes to the Grove Rule must be approved by the Great Council of the Order prior to activation.