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Talks, Workshops Retreats


2009

19 July Talk at the Pagan Academic Network Conference at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth

31 Jan - 5 Feb Talk on 'Jainism & Druidism - Resonances and Connections' at the third International Conference and Gathering of the Elders, Nagpur, India. Details

2008

27 November Talk for the 'Changing Times' group, Burgess Hill, West Sussex. Details

4 - 5 October Workshop in Milan, Italy: 'Living Druidry Today' - Druidry is a spiritual way and practice that speaks to three of our greatest yearnings: to be fully creative in  our lives, to commune  deeply with the world of Nature, and to gain access to a source of  profound wisdom. Each of these yearnings comes from a different aspect of the Soul, and we can personify these as the Singer, the Shaman and the Sage.
In Druidry, Bardic teachings help to nurture the singer, the artist or
storyteller within us - the creative self; Ovate teachings help to foster the  shaman, the lover of Nature, the healer within us;  while the Druid teachings help to develop our inner wisdom - the sage who  dwells within each of us. In this workshop we will explore the ways in which Druidry can help develop these three aspects of ourselves so that Druidry becomes a living spiritual practice.www.druidismo.it

28 September Workshop at Wiccan Conference, Milan, Italy: 'Working with the DruidCraft Tarot – How the Tarot offers an ideal medium for exploring the similarities in Druid and Wiccan teachings, and how we can use the Tarot to discover more about ourselves.'Details from www.anticaquercia.com

27 September Talk at Wiccan Conference, Milan, Italy: 'Character & Contribution – The story of those two seminal figures in the Modern Pagan Revival, Gerald Gardner & Ross Nichols, and the way in which their characters mediated their gifts to the world'. Details from www.anticaquercia.com

19-21 September Workshop at the Soul Companions weekend, Stackpole Centre in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Details

13 September Talk at the 'Out of the Ordinary Earth Mysteries Festival' Knockhatch, Sussex. Details

5 September Talk at the Mercian Gathering. Details.

31 August

Presentation on Michael Tippett, Ross Nichols & The Midsummer Marriage at the Order's Mount Haemus Awards Gathering, Salisbury. Details: The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids invites you to The Mt. Haemus Lectures - A day of Druidic scholarship and pleasant company, including lunch and sundry entertainments at The Medieval Hall, Salisbury From 10am - 5pm on 31 August 2008
With papers from: Dr Brendan Myers, 'How Beautiful Are They - Some thoughts on Ethics in Celtic and European Mythology'; Professor Roland Rotherham, 'Working With Animals'; Dr Adam Stout 'Universal Majesty, Verity and Love Infinite -The Extraordinary Career of George Watson Macgregor Reid, Chosen Chief of the Ancient Druid Order'; Philip Carr Gomm ‘I would know my Shadow and my Light’ - An exploration of Michael Tippet’s The Midsummer Marriage and its relevance to a study of Druidism

It is with great pleasure that we draw together the four scholars who have been engaged in druidic research on our behalf. This year the lectures will be held in the magnificent Medieval Hall in the Cathedral Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EY, and our simple lunch will be taken across the cathedral green at Old Sarum College. Salisbury is easily accessible by public transport: the area is rich in natural beauty and history, including the landmark sites of Old Sarum and Stonehenge.

For B&B enquiries & local information, including parking, city maps and park & ride, contact Salisbury Tourist Information Centre, Fish Row Salisbury SP1 1EJ Telephone: 01722 334956
email:visitorinfo@salisbury.gov.uk

Lunch: simple and vegetarian. Total cost for day £25/US$50. Please email for bookings or any further information about any aspect of the day: touchstone@obod.co.uk

25 July - 3 August Talks and workshops at the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids Summer Camp, Oxfordshire. Details

19 July Talk at the Anderida Gorsedd Conference, Southwick, West Sussex. Talks also by Rae Beth & Prof.Roland Rotherham. Music from Damh the Bard and The Dolmen. Details.

21 June Gather at 4.30am on the Mount (Tump) in Lewes to greet the solstice dawn! Musical and other contributions welcome!

15 June Talk at the Order's Midsummer Gathering, Glastonbury

13 June Talk at the 15th Eigentijds  Festival, Holland. Details

8 June

Working with the  Sacred Plants of Britain – A workshop at Lewes Town Hall for the Lewes Well-Being Wave. In Britain we have a rich tradition of plant lore that is  thousands of years old. In this workshop participants will learn of the  thirteen ways of working with plants in the Druid tradition, and how plant  lore can help to give us guidance and insight in our lives today. Read article based on talk here

30 May - 1 June Talks and workshops in Holland for the Dryade 10th Anniversary

16-25 May

Talks and workshops in Germany - See the Tour Blog

16. Mai – Bad Honnef - Abendvortrag:
Richtung stromaufwärts – Wie kann eine uralte Weisheitstradition wie das Druidentum heute in einer scheinbar verrückt gewordenen Welt von Wert sein? Veranstalter: Villa Schaaffhausen. Kosten: 15,- € Infos & Reservierungen: Tel.: 02224 9170 oder info@villa-schaaffhausen.de

17. und 18. Mai – Bad Honnef - Zwei-Tages-Seminar:
Leben aus der Ruhe der Natur - Mit druidischer Weisheit zur Quelle unserer Kraft
Wir alle möchten unserer Welt, die so unstabil und hilfsbedürftig erscheint, zur Seite stehen, doch wir brauchen ein Medium, mit dem wir arbeiten können und welches die Menschen wirklich erreicht und von authentischem Wert für sie ist. In diesem Zwei-Tages-Seminar werden wir lernen, wie wir mit dem DruidCraft Tarot arbeiten können, um unser Leben und das unserer Mitmenschen zu bereichern. Ganz praktisch hat dieses Wochenende das Ziel, uns Werkzeuge zu beschaffen, die es uns ermöglichen, in der Welt spirituell zu arbeiten.
Veranstalter: Villa Schaaffhausen Kosten: 120,- € (+ Unterkunft und Verpflegung)
Infos & Reservierungen: Tel.: 02224 9170 oder info@villa-schaaffhausen.de

19. Mai – Bielefeld - Abendvortrag:
Druidentum als eine lebendige Weisheitstradition Veranstalter: J. Kamphausen Verlag GmbH  Kosten: 15,- €  Infos & Reservierungen:  Tel.: 0521 4002 888 oder  anmelden@j-kamphausen.de

20. Mai – Horn – Bad Meinberg
Druidische Wanderung an den Externsteinen - Weisheitstraditionen und Kraftorte (zusammen mit Volkert Volkmann + bardischen Impressionen auf der Harfe + Abschlussritual)  Veranstalter: J. Kamphausen Verlag GmbH  Kosten: 45,- €
Infos & Reservierungen: Tel.: 0521 4002 888 oder  anmelden@j-kamphausen.de

21. Mai – München - Abendvortrag:
Im Auge des Sturms – Vernünftig bleiben in einer unvernünftigen Welt
Es kann keinen Zweifel daran geben, dass die Menschheit in die schwierigste Phase ihrer Geschichte eintritt. Wie kann die Beschäftigung mit dem alten Wissen der Druiden in dieser Krisenzeit von Nutzen sein?  Veranstalter: Rainer Kitza  Kosten: 15,- €  Infos & Reservierungen:  Tel.: 08093 906254 oder  info@blumedeslebens.de

22. Mai – München  Tagesseminar:
Mit den heiligen Pflanzen und Tieren der druidischen Tradition arbeiten
In diesem Seminar werden wir lernen, das keltische Tier- und das keltische Pflanzenorakel zu nutzen, um Führung für uns selbst und für Menschen um uns herum zu erhalten. Ebenfalls werden wir lernen, die Orakel in unsere spirituelle Praxis einzubauen. Veranstalter: Rainer Kitza  Kosten: 75,- €  Infos & Reservierungen:  Tel.: 08093 906254 oder  info@blumedeslebens.de

24. – 25. Mai – Keltendorf in Sünna - Zwei-Tages-Seminar:
Sänger, Schamane, Weiser
Das Druidentum ist ein spiritueller Weg und eine Praxis, die drei unserer größten Sehnsüchte anspricht: unsere volle Kreativität in unserem Leben auszudrücken, mit der Welt der Natur auf authentische Weise zu kommunizieren und Zugang zu finden zu einer Quelle tiefgründiger Weisheit. Jede dieser drei Sehnsüchte entstammt einem anderen Aspekt unserer Seele, die wir als den Sänger, den Schamanen und den Weisen identifizieren können. Im Druidentum helfen die Lehren der Barden die Qualitäten des Sängers hervorzubringen, den Künstler oder den Geschichtenerzähler in uns – unser kreatives Selbst; die Lehren des Vaten fördern den Schamanen, den Liebhaber der Natur, den inneren Heiler; während die Lehren des Druidengrades uns helfen unsere innerste Weisheit zu entwickeln – den Weisen, der in jedem von uns wohnt.
In diesem Seminar werden wir die Wege entdecken, in denen uns das Druidentum helfen kann, diese drei Aspekte unseres Selbst zu entwickeln.
In der kraftvollen Umgebung des Keltendorfes Sünna werden wir zwei inspirierende Tage verbringen – abends wird Axel Brück uns mit schamanischer Trommelmusik verzaubern.
Veranstalter: Kelten-Hotel Sünna  Kosten: 120,- € (+ Unterkunft und Verpflegung)
Infos & Reservierungen: Tel.: 036962 2670 oder  info@keltenhotel.de

5 May Talk at the Wildheart Gathering: "in the heart of the Sussex countryside over the May Beltaine (1st to 5th May) weekend, there will be a gathering of some of the most inspiring, passionate and committed pioneers of the wild. Visionaries, teachers, leaders, ecologists, performers, healers, shamans, artists, musicians whose heart embraces the wilderness that lies at the core of our human spirit. No longer able to bear the destruction of our most precious resource we are holding a gathering of such beauty and eloquence for peoples of all ages to come and celebrate this life on our true home.The gathering will bring together a number of groups involved in teachings of Deep Ecology, Wilderness survival, Indigenous wisdom, inspiration, compassion and wisdom. We welcome families and schools for adventure, fun and transformational learning." More details.

3 May

"Living Druidry Today" Workshop in Sintra, Portugal

Druidry is a spiritual way and practice that speaks to three of our greatest yearnings: to be fully creative in  our lives, to commune deeply with the world of Nature, and to gain  access to a source of profound wisdom. Each of these yearnings  comes from a different aspect of the Soul, and we can personify  these as the Singer, the Shaman and the Sage.
In Druidry, Bardic  teachings help to nurture the singer, the artist or
storyteller within us - the creative self; Ovate teachings help to foster
the  shaman, the lover of Nature, the healer within us; while the Druid
teachings help to develop our inner wisdom - the sage who dwells within each of us.
In this workshop we will explore the ways  in which Druidry can help develop these three aspects of ourselves  so that Druidry becomes a living spiritual practice.

For more information visit: www.zefiro.pt email: zefiro@zefiro.pt or telephone: (00351) 914848900

2 May

Presentation of Portuguese edition of Druid Mysteries in Lisbon, Portugal. The book presentation will be followed by Celtic music, to the sound of the Celtic harp and voice. Everyone is invited to drink the tasty and traditional mead after the session! For more information visit: www.zefiro.pt email: zefiro@zefiro.pt or telephone: (00351) 914848900

28 April Colloquy with JJ Middleway at the Order's Beltane Camp

8 March Talk on The Druid Plant Oracle for the Devon & Cornwall Pagan Conference. Read article based on talk here.

29 February In The Eye of the Storm - Staying Sane in an Insane World - a talk for the Transition Town Lewes evening 'Surviving and Thriving inTimes of Transition' with co-presenters Nick Marks of the New Economics Foundation and therapist Emerald Jane Turner, who pioneered the London Underground Stress Reduction Programme. 7.30pm SUBUD House, Station St, Lewes. No booking needed. Entry £3 at door. Read article based on talk here

12 January 2pm - 3pm Workshop talk 'Why Is Lewes so Magical?' for the Lewes Wellbeing Festival, Lewes Town Hall, East Sussex. Read article based on talk here.

2007

22 December Come and celebrate the Winter Solstice with us on the Lewes Tump at 7.30am. Breakfast at 'Bill's Cafe' after!

15 December Talk at the Order's Winter Gathering, Glastonbury

10 December Launch party for The Druid Plant Oracle at Treadwell's Bookshop, 34 Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London WC2 at 7pm

17 & 18 November

Talk for: Stars and Stones Forum - Understanding the ancient landscape, the heavens, and the dawn of agriculture, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Tickets limited to 80 at £35 each. Single day £20. Booking enquiries 01359 270524.
Available by post from The Estate Office, Rougham, Bury St.Edmunds, Suffolk, IP309LZ. Cheques payable to Rougham Conferences. Please include a S.A.E for timetable, directions, local accommodation and B&Bs to be forwarded with your ticket.
Two days of lectures, talks, networking, socialising, and open forums on the origins of modern man and his development from Cro-Magnon hunter gatherer to a sophisticated being, with remarkable abilities in agriculture, animal husbandry, social organization, astronomy, surveying, mathematics, engineering, building skills, artistic expression, consciousness, self awareness, and a belief in the transmigration of the soul.

SPEAKERS: Michael Hodges (West Country historian) How ancient farmers created calendars to structure
their year, using observational astronomy and timing events with festivals.
Edmund Marriage (independent researcher) The discovery of the Garden of Eden site in
Southern Lebanon, and the diffusion of farming and civilisation around the world.
Carolin Comberti (specialist in the use of sound) How science has rediscovered the harmonic
and geometric energy grid surrounding the planet and ways to interact with cosmic forces, to
affect positive changes to the environment and people.
Laurence Main (historian) With his knowledge of the Welsh language will describe Arthur’s
last battle at Camlan, and the lost knowledge of Druidic and early British history.
Hugh Newman (Earth mysteries researcher) How the ancients used magnetic earth energy
currents to enhance seeds, fertility and re-mineralise their food
Jake Ewen (scientific researcher) How science can help us understand the workings of the
universe, through geometry, holography, cymatics, and sound wave relationships.
John Neal (master of measurement) Revealing the sophistication of the archaic world.
Dirk Campbell (composer and specialist in musical instruments dating back thousands of
years) Demonstration of a number of ancient musical traditions.Thomas Clough Daffern, a druid specialist and international peace campaigner.
Philip Carr-Gomm (Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, one of the largest international Druid groups) will talk on ‘Druidry as a Call from the Future’[ N.B.I cannot now come to this event, but Dirk will read out a brief message and I hope it is a great success!]

25 September Presentation at the Crypt Gallery, Seaford, Sussex for the Sussex Artwave Competition on the theme of Local Sacred Landscape sponsored by OBOD

22 September Talk on the Sacred Landscape of Sussex at the Out of the Ordinary Festival, Knockhatch, Sussex

8 September Talks on The Druid Plant Oracle and The DruidCraft Tarot for Druidcon Glasgow

27 July - 5 August Talk on The Druid Plant Oracle for the Order's Lughnasadh camp

11-15 July Talk for the Druid Network Camp on The Druid Plant Oracle

4 July

Ross Nichols: the Mysteriously Hidden Druid
A talk at Treadwell's Bookshop, 34 Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London
This talk explores the life and philosophy of the founder of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. Ross Nichols (1902-1975). As he was a naturally private person, little is generally known about him, and little of his work has been republished until recent years, when we have seen the reissue of some of his druid essays and poetry. The main force in the excavation of the life and spirituality of Nichols, and the driving force, too in the republication of his work, is the current head of the order (and tonight’s speaker), Philip Carr-Gomm. The themes of Nichols' druidry are embedded in his life. Tonight’s talk will traverse issues of friendship, solitude, relationship with the land, personal intimacies,  the Grail, care of youth, cultivation of intuition, socialism, naturism, Christianity, paganism, and – very importantly, poetry. In Ross Nichols, a quiet creativity, a reticence filled with passion, transfigured itself into a legacy of druidry today. Philip Carr-Gomm is head of OBOD and has published numerous titles of his own, as well as editing and reissuing many works of Nichols. 7.15 for a 7.30pm start   £5 info@treadwells-london.com see www.treadwells-london.com

26 May Talk for Horsham Interfaith Group

11 – 18 MAY

DRUID HERBCRAFT at CAE MABON IN SNOWDONIA

We invite you to join us in an intensive workshop that will teach you how to work with herbs to improve your health, enhance your spiritual practice and deepen your appreciation of the natural world.
Our week together will be at Cae Mabon in the magical landscape of Snowdonia in Wales. Cae Mabon is a collection of unique and beautiful structures set in woodland facing the mountains with lake Llyn Padarn in the valley below. A cob cottage, straw bale hogan, cedar cabin and barn are situated amongst lush greenery and woodland. The Afon Fachwen (‘little white river’) flows from Elidir near the thatched round house and cedar hot tub. The week will include teaching sessions, hands-on experience of working with herbs, identifying plants in the wild, and special presentations on the work of the Physicians of Myddvai and the role of plants in Druidry. There will also be time for storytelling, music-making, meditation and ritual. 

The workshop will be led by Melanie Cardwell MHNH with contributions from Dr. Angela Paine, and Philip Carr-Gomm.
Melanie is a member of the Association of Master Herbalists and author of Herbal Kitchen Pharmacy. She is well known to many members as the facilitator of the Well-Being programme at the Order’s UK camps and runs an on-line pharmacy at www.naturespharmacy.org.uk. Angela Paine is a specialist in the healing properties and botanical recognition of British medicinal plants, and author of The Healing Power of Celtic Plants. Philip Carr-Gomm is the co-author of The Druid Plant Oracle.

The cost of the retreat is £375 inclusive of tuition, accommodation and all meals (vegetarian & delicious). All accommodation is sharing in cabins – see www.caemabon.co.uk for pictures. A limited number of tent spaces exist if you want to camp but there is no reduction in cost. The teaching sessions will be filmed and we hope DVDs will be available later for participants at a reduced cost. To make a reservation, please send a cheque for £100 deposit made out to OBOD together with a note of your name, address, telephone number and email to: Penny Billington, 18 Crompton Street, Derby, DE1 1NY or for info: touchstone@obod.co.uk

29 March Talk for Wellington Pagans, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand

26-29 January Talks and workshops for the Order's Lughnasadh camp in Aotearoa, New Zealand

13 January Talk for 'The Spiritual in Counselling' Conference, Glastonbury

2006

22 December Brief talk at the Priory Mount (Tump) in Lewes at winter solstice sunrise for The Antiquarian Society

16 December Talk at the Order's Annual Assembly, Glastonbury Town Hall

9 - 10 September Talks for the Paravisie Manifestatie, Ahoy Rotterdam

7 September Workshop: Tarot van de Druiden
buro voor tarot, Haansbergseweg 16a, 5121 LJ Rijen
31 (0)161 2224411
start 19.00 h. Entrance 30 euro

6 September Workshop: Het Pad van de Druide (for OBOD members only)
buro voor tarot, Haansbergseweg 16a, 5121 LJ Rijen
31 (0)161 2224411
start 19.00 h. Entrance 30 euro

5 September In the library of Baarle Nassau (Holland) and Baarle Hertog (Belgium) Pastoor de Katerstraat 7
5111CM Baarle-Nassau.Talk and launch of the the book " Het Pad van de Druide" (The Druid Way)
entrance 2,50 euro. start 20.00 h. No booking necessary.

2 September Workshop at the Dutch members gathering in Holland.

5 August Workshop on the DruidCraft Tarot at the Order's Lughnasadh camp in the Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire.

17 June Introductory talk on Druidry in Horsham, Sussex

11 June Talk at the Order's Summer Gathering, Glastonbury Town Hall.

2005

5-6 November

The Midsummer Marriage – A Search for Harmony
A talk exploring the work of Sir Michael Tippett and the central themes of modern Druidism
Heraclitus said ‘A wonderful harmony is created when we join together the seemingly unconnected.’ When it was first performed in 1955, the opera The Midsummer Marriage by Michael Tippett, was criticised for combining too many disparate elements. Jungian psychology, Eastern Tantric philosophy, and an obscure Welsh tale, were apparently thrown together in a story that mirrored Mozart’s Magic Flute. The critics were confused, but with an understanding of alchemy, Freemasonry and Druidism we can appreciate Tippett’s opera for what it is: a masterpiece that does indeed create a wonderful harmony.
In this centenary of Tippett’s birth, participants have the opportunity to see this rarely-performed work at the Royal Opera House a few days either before or after the conference. During the talk we will hear brief excerpts from the opera, and will look at the way in which the initiatic journey is depicted by Tippett. In doing this, we will learn about the central themes of Druidry, and of their relationship to other traditions, such as Freemasonry.

For 'Seeking the Light: Freemasonry & Initiatic Traditions' -a conference held at the Canonbury Academy, 6 Canonbury Place, London N1 2NQ see www.canonbury.ac.uk

The talk has been published in The Canonbury Papers Vol 4 available from Lewis Masonic.

29 October Talk on the Sacred Landscape of Sussex as part of The Gatekeeper Trust's weekend
Saturday 29th to Sunday 30th October at
Anne of Cleves House, Lewes, E Sussex
Based in an Elizabethan house on the Grail Line, we will pilgrimage from Lewes' 11th Century priory to the Long Man of Wilmington, where he stands watch over the peaceful South Downs.  Philip Carr-Gomm, Chief of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, will be speaking about his experiences of the sacred landscape and dance expert Shirley Newton will be leading us in Elizabethan dancing. For details see www.gatekeeper.org.uk

15-19 October, 20-24 October, 15-24 October In the Magical Forest of Broceliande, Brittany, France. We invite you to experience the magic of the Forest of Broceliande with members of the Order from all over Europe, led by Philip Carr-Gomm. Many members have discovered the beauty of the network we have all created of like-minded souls around the world. We now invite you to meet with members from France, Belgium, Holland, Austria, Germany…Come on a five or ten day retreat and we will meditate and hold ceremonies together. We’ll enjoy fine French cooking, and visit many of the magical sites that are close by, such as Carnac and Gavrinis. And we will stay in a wonderfully mysterious old manor house with superb views across Broceliande. The house is owned by two members who run it as a hotel, but for these ten days it will be reserved just for us. The first 5 day retreat is open to any applicants. The second retreat is for members only. The cost of each five day retreat is about £260 and includes all meals. For more details and a complete programme contact: Le Manoir du Tertre, Le Cannee, 35380 Paimpont, France. Email: lemanoir.dutertre@wanadoo.fr Tel: +33 608543494 Fax: +33 299078546

18 August Book Launch for Bulgarian edition of Druid Mysteries at the Orange Bookstore, Sofia.

9 July

DRUID WAY CHARITY WALK - Join us on 9th July this summer to celebrate our connection with the land and give our energy for a good cause. Organised by Firinne, of The Druid Network and led by Philip Carr-Gomm of The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, this walk will tread one of our oldest paths beginning at the Lewes Mount and following the South Downs Way to the figure of the Long Man of Wilmington. The money raised will be equally distributed between the charities Trees For Life and Care For The Wild. We will begin at the foot of Lewes Mount, by Lewes station, at 10am, and from there we will take the path over the Downs to the figure of the Long Man. There will be scheduled rests along the way, with a stop for lunch at Firle Beacon, and a further stop at the Star Inn in the village of Alfriston. We will be ending at The Giants Rest pub in Wilmington at around 6pm. From there walkers will be transported back to the starting point to collect vehicles or meet the train (1 hr to London). We hope to help those walkers without personal transport, and for those travelling long distances or just wanting to spend the night afterwards details of a designated campsite will be available.

To volunteer for this event, request a sponsorship pack, or for further details on transport or accommodation please email firinne@blueyonder.co.uk

A few comments from the organisers: “It was six years ago that I first picked up a copy of Philip’s The Druid Way and was inspired to walk the route myself, and later to create a project that honoured the sacredness of the path, inviting others to share both footsteps and vision. This event has practically organised itself since! I owe many thanks to Emma Restall-Orr, Philip Carr-Gomm, and Joe Whitaker (the most inspiring man I know!) for the ease with which the bright threads of many individual visions have been woven together. I’m really looking forward to seeing it all come to fruit on the 9th of July!” Firinne

"I’m really looking forward to this walk! Thirteen years ago the idea came to me that I should set out on a pilgrimage to really open to the landscape and the earth beneath my feet, and to write about Druidry in a different way - from the perspective of someone walking the earth at the end of the twentieth century. So I walked from a small Silbury Hill-like sacred mound in our home town of Lewes in Sussex to the great chalk hill figure of the Long Man of Wilmington. That route takes you from the edge of a small Sussex town across fields that were once marshland, to join the South Downs Way at the site of an old Neolithic village. And then you're high up - with vistas out to sea and across the countryside. And all the while the Ancestors and the spirits of the land are close to you - telling you their stories and speaking to you of the journey of your life. Making such a pilgrimage allows grey dusty thoughts and feelings to slough off you like old snake-skin: pausing to sit and admire the view, opening to the Spirit of Place, you become the chalice to the blade of your walking purposefully forward with intent. Walking and stopping, standing and sitting, talking and listening, then silent and open as sun and maybe rain and wind play with you on the Downs. Feeling the presence of the Old Ones, of the Ancestors and the spirits of track and land. Feeling good on a summer's day here on the way to that god-figure who beckons you and challenges you on the hillside of Avronelle." Philip

21-28 May THE GRAIL IN AVALON at Chalice Well Glastonbury A week-long retreat to explore the Grail Mysteries using meditation, ritual, creative work, and walking for an exploration of the Grail myth and its relationship with Avalon and a personal experience of what the grail can mean for us today. Facilitated by Caitlín Matthews and Philip Carr-Gomm: guest speaker John Matthews. FFI email or phone for a booking form to: touchstone@obod.co.uk 01332 380849

14-21 May VESICA PISCIS. An experiential retreat at Chalice Well Glastonbury exploring the Inner Marriage and how it can open us to our fullest creative potential Facilitated by Jay Ramsay and Philip Carr-Gomm. FFI email or phone for a booking form to: touchstone@obod.co.uk 01332 380849

19 April Talk at Greenspeak, Hove 8pm. Greenspeaks are focused discussion groups (orchestrated by the Green Party of Brighton and Hove) that meet on the third Tuesday of every month to listen to specialists and/or experts talk about a variety of topics. The meeting is then thrown open for an informal debate. In the nine months it has been going the meetings have gained a unique dynamism, and an outstanding level of debate. Greenspeaks have covered such themes as global warming, the politics of food, alternative medicine, drugs, greening the home, animal rights and peak oil. Speakers have included Bruce Kent, Shane Collins and Daren Howarth of the Earthship Project. The next Greenspeak will be held on Tuesday 19th April at the Sanctuary, 51-55 Brunswick Street East, Hove at 8pm. It will be entitled “Paganism: is it a realistic spiritual force?” We have invited a number of local pagan experts to talk to us.

2004

27 November Talk at the Theosophical Society, Marion Street, Wellington

25 November Talk for Wellington Pagan Moot 6pm

12-14 November Opening to the Flow of Awen & Nwyfre - A Guided Druid Retreat at the Prana Retreat Centre, Coromandel, New Zealand

Nwyfre and Awen are the Druid terms for two manifestations of the Life-Force: Awen brings inspiration and helps to release our creativity; Nwyfre brings us vitality and healing. This weekend offers the opportunity of taking a retreat in an idyllic setting to help increase the flow of both Awen and Nwyfre in your life. Periods of teaching, meditation, ritual and music will alternate with time for you to experience the beauty of the trees, beach and ocean.

Fee: $165

Accommodation: Fee includes 2 nights camping. Caravans available, your enquiries are welcome.

Bookings: Please complete the Booking Form

Enquires: Use our contact form. On

http://www.prana.co.nz/contact_prana_spiritual_retreat.asp

http://www.prana.co.nz

05-07 Nov Teaching at Avronelle in Aotearoa

27 August-3 September Retreat for French-speaking members of the Order in Broceliande

19-25 August Talks at the Celtival in Broceliande, Brittany

23 July-1 August Talks and workshops at the Order’s Lughnasadh camp

20 July Talk and ceremony at Stonehenge with CelticSpirit group

17 July Talk at Occulture Festival Brighton

15 July Talk at the Druid Network camp

12-13 June Talk at the Order’s Annual Assembly, Glastonbury

06 April Storytelling at the Wellington Story Tellers’ Café, Wellington, NZ

12-14 March Singer, Shaman Sage weekend workshop on Ohakana Island, NZ

05-07 March Teaching at Avronelle in Aotearoa

13-15 February

Teaching at Avronelle in Aotearoa

06-08 February Talks at the New Zealand Pagan Federation Festival, Morrinsville.

2003

05-07 December Teaching at Avronelle in Aotearoa

07-09 November Teaching at Avronelle in Aotearoa, an on-going training school in Druid Craft in New Zealand.

18 - 24 August Talks at the 'Celtival' in Broceliande, Brittany.

Details from celtival.broceliande@wanadoo.fr

26 July - 04 August Talks at OBOD's Lughnasadh Camp, Vale of the White Horse, Wiltshire

12 July Talk and ceremony at Stonehenge for the Celticspirit group

5 July 'Druidcraft - the Magic of Wicca and Druidry' Talk at the Witchfest in Glasgow

Details: http://www.witchfest.net/talks.htm

24 June 'The Rebirth of Druidry' - book launch and talk at The Green Man Bookshop, 24 South Street, Eastbourne. Tel. 01323 735364

18 June Talk at Stonehenge for group from Germany

14 June Talk for the OBOD Assembly Glastonbury

9 June

Talk for the Positive Living Group, Bournemouth.

Details from angie@positive-living.freeserve.co.uk

4 June Talk at St Bede’s School, Sussex

24-25 May Talks in Holland. Details from jurre.yntema@wxs.nl

16-18 May Talks in Holland. Details from jurre.yntema@wxs.nl

6 April Workshop on Druidcraft in Pukerua Bay, Wellington, New Zealand 2.30-5pm Details from Pamela pamela@iconz.co.nz

1st & 2nd March Talks on Druidcraft - the Magic of Wicca & Druidry - at the NZ Pagan Festival in Hobbiton New Zealand.

Details on http://www.naturesmagick.homestead.com

23 January Talk and book signing at The Pinnacle Bookshop, Wellington, New Zealand 5.30pm

2002

9 November 'Druidcraft - the Magic of Wicca and Druidry' Talk at the Witchfest, Fairfield Hall, Croydon

Details: http://www.witchfest.net/talks.htm.

4 November Talk at the Bright Horizons Centre, Brighton:

'Druidcraft - the Magic of Wicca and Druidry'

Druidry and Wicca are the two great streams of Western Pagan tradition. Both are experiencing a renaissance all over the world, as more and more people seek a spirituality rooted in a love of nature and the land.

Tonight we'll explore the magical territory shared by Druidry and Wicca alike - with ideas on how we can combine their inspirations and techniques to create a practice of Druidcraft.

Bookings and info: Mick Henry at kafd1@sussex.ac.uk

19 July - 25 August Talks at the 'Celtival' in Broceliande, Brittany

26 July - 02 August Talks at OBOD's Lughnasadh Camp, Vale of the White Horse, Wiltshire.

15-19 July Informal talks at OBOD's first Naturist Retreat, Spielplatz, Hertfordshire.

12 July Talk and ceremony at Stonehenge for the Celticspirit group.

15 June Talk at the OBOD Summer Solstice Assembly, Glastonbury Town Hall

25 Febuary 'The Worlds of Bard, Ovate & Druid' - talk at the Anthroposophical Peredur School of Speech & Drama, Forest Row, Sussex.

6 January Do we really need religion?' - talk to the Brighton & Hove Humanists Association.

2001

1 November "When the Moon Swallows the Sun - Initiation in the Court of the Goddess and the Birth of the Creative Self." A talk for the Guild of Pastoral Psychology, London. See http://www.guildofpastoralpsychology.org.uk

27 July - 5 August Talks and workshops at the OBOD Lughnasadh camp, Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire

9-10 June Talks and workshops at the OBOD weekend in the Netherlands for members

7 June Talk in Ostend, Belgium

26 May - 2 June Talks and workshops at the OBOD Beltane camp, Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire

14-21 April The Iona Experience - a retreat on Isla Na Druidneach, the isle of Iona, Scotland

7-8 April Talks and workshops at the Elf Centre, The Hague, Netherlands

2000

30 October The Druid Tradition - a talk for The Theosophical Society, Whangarei, New Zealand

23 - 30 September Residential Healing Retreat of The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids
at Ganieda Sanctuary, Albany, Western Australia with Philip Carr-Gomm and Kennan Elkman

Residential Healing Retreat for all members of OBOD. We’ve chosen a really magical spot for this experience. There are certain places on the earth that radiate particularly strong healing powers, and one such place is just outside Albany, Western Australia. Here, on high ground overlooking Lake Grasmere, and minutes away from the white sandy beaches and rocky coastline of the Great Southern Ocean, Druid Grade member Dr Kennan Elkman, a medical doctor, Jungian psychoanalyst and holistic health consultant, has founded Ganieda Sanctuary, with his wife Anjouli, aromatherapist and healer. Ganieda is the name of Merlin’s sister, and this healing centre has been named after her in honour of the role of the Feminine in Healing.

At Ganieda, amongst great golden rocks, healing pools, and light-filled wooden buildings we will follow a programme designed to open us to our own healing powers, and the healing powers of Nature and the Divine. We will participate in healing meditations and ceremonies together, have aromatherapy and massage, explore optimal health in seminars, and use Druidic sweat-house rituals and herbalism to enhance our healing. There’ll be time for relaxation too - with excursions to the sea and local sites.

Ganieda Sanctuary is 400 km south of Perth in Western Australia. Perth is the nearest international airport, with an easy and direct connection by local flight to Albany. For those wishing to drive and see a little ‘scenery’ we hope to use the local OBOD network in Perth for accommodation and travel as needed. The cost of the Retreat, including accommodation, all meals, and tuition, is £300 ($500 USD or 750 AUSD) in basic shared accommodation on-site (any individual treatments/consultations are extra). Single accommodation off-site (at a local B&B) is also available at an extra cost. Many members may want to extend their stay to include a holiday in Australia. Your nearest Australian Tourist Office can help you plan this. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you would like to come, please contact: Kennan Elkman, Ganieda Sanctuary, PO Box 1414, Albany, W.Australia WA 6330

Write, phone or email enquiries to Kennan at gwydd@fullcomp.com.au Tel +61 98 446393

13 & 14 September Druid Magic - Finding Creativity, Energy, Transformation and Healing.

We will study what magic is, how it works, and how it can be used to transform us: to infuse our lives with a sense of meaning, mystery and wonder - to deepen our experience of other levels of consciousness, to be more creative, and to open us to the magic of being alive. Drawing on the wisdom of the Druids, and on their ancient myths, we will discover how to access the well-springs of our own spirituality, healing and creativity.

Enquiries to Kennan at gwydd@fullcomp.com.au Tel +61 98 446393

12 September A talk and workshop at the University of Western Australia, Perth

The Magic of being Alive - an evening of exploration

Sometimes life can seem magical - amazing coincidences occur and you feel wonderful. Most people believe you can"t control this kind of magic - it either happens to you or it doesn"t. But what if you could make magic happen?

Drawing from his experience with two magical teachers, and his knowledge of psychology and Druidry, Philip teaches the art of magic in a new, refreshing way. Together we will explore six steps we can take to bring magic into our lives.

Enquiries to Kennan at gwydd@fullcomp.com.au Tel +61 98 446393

9 Sepember
The Search for the Holy Grail
An exploration of the grail quest as a spiritual quest for each one of us, in the light of Druid teachings. In Sydney, Australia.
Details from carole carole@zip.com.au

Jun - Aug DEEP SPACE An Invitation to a Journey of Exploration

The Earth is on a journey through the vastness of Deep Space. Travelling at immense speed through the Universe, it carries within the green and blue envelope of its atmosphere the DNA of millions of plants, creatures and human beings. It carries the stories of each one of us, and of every living thing on Earth.

Ancient religions, and now many scientists, believe that the Earth is not the only inhabited planet in the Universe.

Like sperm and ova, inhabited planets are travelling through the womb of Space, seeking their Destinies, weaving a story more extraordinary and beautiful than any of us can imagine.

In the silence of the New Mexico desert, and at other sites around the world, dozens of giant radio-telescope dishes of the SETI project point towards the stars – listening for messages from these other planets. Deep within us we know that in the vastness of the Universe there are beings with a more advanced consciousness than ourselves. If only we could make contact. If only we could be guided by their wisdom and understanding. Perhaps then we could receive the inspiration, the new ideas that could bring peace and fulfilment to humanity.
In the silence of deep meditation, close to the earth, a door opens in our consciousness and it’s as if we step through into another dimension, another world. We have entered a different kind of Deep Space, and here too there are Intelligences. If only we could make contact. If only we could be guided by their wisdom and understanding. Perhaps then we could receive the inspiration, the new ideas that could bring peace and fulfilment to humanity.

Perhaps we could discover our purpose, and the purpose of life on earth.

In ancient times, the old spiritual traditions made no separation between the Otherworld and the world of the stars – of Deep Space. They believed we came from the stars, that civilisation and consciousness are not confined to the earth, and that our journey through successive lives includes journeying across the Universe.

These ancient traditions are found the world over – they built stone circles, pyramids, temples, to communicate with Deep Space – to receive the messages of the Otherworld.

One of these ancient wisdom-traditions is that of the Druids, and it is a tradition that we can still learn from - through meditation, teaching, ceremony, myth and story.

If you would like to take a journey of exploration using these ways to access the inner wisdom of Deep Space, you’d be really welcome to join a group of us who have decided to meet together in a beautiful and powerful spot in Pukerua Bay, near Wellington, for a series of gatherings through the Winter.

We’ll begin by meeting for a Winter Solstice ceremony and celebration at 6pm on the day of the solstice – 21st June. The Winter Solstice is a time for rebirth, for new beginnings, renewed commitment – and so a perfect time to begin a new cycle in a new millennium.Then we’ll meet on the following four Sundays: 2nd & 23rd July and 6th and 20th August from 2pm to 5pm. Enquiries to philip at office@druidry.org

14th May Druid Magic - Finding Creativity, Energy, Transformation and Healing - A day workshop in Auckland, NZ.

Description as March 26th. For details/to book call Peta Joyce 09 811 8719

13th May Drinking from the Well - A day workshop in Auckland, NZ. Description as March 25th. For details/to book call Peta Joyce 09 811 8719

26th March Druid Magic - Finding Creativity, Energy, Transformation and
Healing - A day workshop in Palmerston North, NZ.

There are three kinds of magic: good, bad and ineffective. Good magic helps to bring happiness, understanding, healing and joy into the world. It is something that benefits us, but also other people and the world around us.

Today we will learn about the Druid approach to magic, to help us find the transformation, energy and healing we are seeking in our personal and spiritual life. But we will also aim for more than this, because real magic, powerful magic, is also concerned with serving something more than ourselves. This type of magic shows us how we can make a difference to the world. It shows us how our own story is part of a bigger story - the story of the Earth, the Universe and Life itself.

At the heart of Druid Magic lies an understanding that there are two forces at work in the world - simply stated as masculine and feminine - and that creation, transformation, energy and healing is found when these two forces meet.We will explore the nature of these two forces, and focus particularly on how they manifest as two central abilities; the ability to be open, to receive new thoughts, new feelings, new experiences; and the ability to be penetrative, to be focussed on goals and activities that are in alignment with the Soul's purpose in the world. These two abilities are symbolised in the Western Esoteric Tradition as the cup and the dagger, or the chalice and the sword. In the Druid tradition, these abilities are symbolised as the cauldron and the wand. Through ritual, story-telling, meditation and exercises we will explore together some of the ways in which we can discover the cauldron and the wand within us, and how we can use them and combine their powers to bring about the alchemy of transformation in our lives.

Details/to book call Pauline Orr 06 357 1726

25th March Drinking from the Well - A day workshop in Palmerston North, NZ

"Holy Source, Ancient Dream,
I return once more to you"
from Celtic Devotional by Caitlin Matthews

Spend the day exploring the rich heritage of the Druid and Celtic tradition. By using story and myth, music and image, Philip will lead us on a journey that explores what it means for us to draw nourishment from this rich vein of spiritual wisdom. We will survey twenty thousand years of history, tracing the origins of Druidry from the very earliest manifestations of spirituality in Europe, through to the renaissance of Druidry that is now occurring worldwide. We will see how today it speaks to that need in all of us to feel close to the Land, and to the Ancestors - wherever we are.

The focus of the day will be on how we can use Druid wisdom to help us in our lives. We will explore how Druidry can help us feel closer to Nature, to Spirit,and to our own core identity - our Soul. We will learn how Druids use ritual, and the lore of Trees and Animals to gain guidance and insight;and we will discover the power of sound that the Druids harness to gain creative inspiration - known as 'Awen' - the gift of the gods, flowing Spirit.

Details/to book call Pauline Orr 06 357 1726

4th March Talk at the Alternative Living Festival, Lower Hutt, Wellington NZ. Details from dave-ruth-mansford@clear.net.nz

26 & 27th February Talks at the New Spirit Festival, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Details from newspiritfestiva@hotmail.com

7 & 8th February Talks and Druid Animal Oracle readings at The Chrysalis Effect, Auckland. Details from 09 480 7753

5 & 6th February Talks at the New Spirit Festival, Lakeside Convention Centre, Auckland, New Zealand. Details from newspiritfestiva@hotmail.com

1999

24 October The Sacred Landscape of Sussex - a day workshop at Flint House, Lewes, East Sussex. Contact 01273 473388

23 - 31 July Workshops on Seven Lessons in Magic at The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids Lughnasadh Summer camp. For details contact office@obod.co.uk

14 -18 July 'The Gift of Transformation - The Search for Wisdom in the Celtic and Druid Tradition ' at the Cae Mabon centre. We will spend five days together exploring the Tale of Taliesin experientially in an oak forest clearing on the western slopes of Snowdonia. We will work in a thatched Celtic roundhouse and renovated barn, and sleep in a tinker's bow tent, or a bothie with bunk beds, by the river. Cost £190 includes food. Contact: Eric Maddern, Muriau Gwynion, Fachwen, Llanberis, Gwynedd LL55 3HB. Tel/fax 01286 871542. email: eric@fachwen.org website: www.fachwen.org/caemabon

18 May Finding our Roots - Finding Our Future. A talk on the history and contemporary relevance of the Druid tradition for The Churches Fellowship for Psychical Studies at Friend's Meeting House, Lewes, E.Sussex

24 April - 1 May & 1 May - 8 May two one week workshops on the Isle of Iona, Scotland. Details from iona@crissiam.demon.co.uk

16 April 'The Transforming Power of Celtic & Druid Wisdom' Talk for Open Mind, Bognor Regis. Details from Keith Parker 01243 865607

3-5 April 'Seven Lessons in Magic' - a series of workshops over 3 days at the Order of Bards Ovates & Druids 'Rites of Spring' Camp in Somerset.

6th March