17 January 2010
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Three years ago (21 March 2007) we invited you to join us on a unique exploration of our shared sacred landscape, by collaborating to map its locations and stories (particularly those whose origins are in dispute, and which may show Celtic influences) in the creation of the first known Druidical map of North America. The idea was partly rooted in the assumption (based upon Avalonian oral tradition lore) that Druids had inhabited North America in the very distant past. At the time, this was a fairly radical proposal, since most academics and scientists scorned the idea that ancient Europeans could have made their ways to such distance shores. Today, that scorn is fading in the face of mounting evidence that ancient Europeans were here with or even preceding the peoples who crossed the Bering Straits from Asia.
For our examples and model, we proposed using the earliest of the Dindsenchas (Celtic stories of place). We allowed that different Druids would want to approach their investigations differently, in accordance with their own teachings, but proposed centering our work on two basic energies that most Druids agree define the character of a place: the energy inherent in its nature; and the overlay of residual energies that make up its atmosphere (the result of residual energy from feelings and events remembered within the land itself). Our thought was that, while all serious Druids are familiar with these ideas as they apply to the stories of place within the Old World Celtic lands, few of us could make the same claim for our knowledge of other lands we inhabit today.
We proposed that today's Druids have as much to gain from an intimate knowledge of the sacred body of our land -- and from collaborating on efforts supporting our common good -- as did our Druid ancestors in time long past. And while "Turtle Island" is larger than the Celtic isles, it is not less enchanted, less powerful, or less deserving of honour. We believed that, while we could certainly undertake this exploration as part of the "secret lore" of our own Order, such an attitude runs against the common good and contradicts what we know of ancestral practices, which attest to wisdom sharing across colleges, Orders, continents, and tribes. It is this very universality that makes such a *map* invaluable. Nor could any one Order or group discover and hoard all of the place lore and stories of an entire continent, given that no existing group has members in all places. For all of these reasons we invited you to join us at a Council Fire of North American Druids, at which we would all be equal ambassadors for our respective Orders. We did not propose to lead this quest, but suggested that the gathering elect its own facilitators based upon demonstrable knowledge and experience of such endeavours.
While participants were free to use their customary methods of exploration, we suggested that certain criteria be held in common and asked that everyone include in their shared reports the following:
- A brief description of methodology and criteria for assessing the site(s);
- Folklore and stories of place relating to the specific site(s) from all available cultures;
- Major geological changes affecting the site(s) over the past 10,000+ years;
- Past and current land usage;
- Past and current climate(s); and
- Direct observations about the area's atmosphere, energetics, and spirit of place, derived from mindful, first-hand exploration of each site being reported.
Discussion of submissions (and submitters) was subject to one simple rule: Comments were to be polite, respectful considerations of results, rather than criticisms of (or competitions between) different groups or methods. The map would be subject to change with changes in the land and its remembered history; thus, once completed it would need occasional revision. In recognition of the magical potency of such a *map* and the potential for its misuse, results would be published to active participants only.
Unfortunately, excepting those listed below (and a few "borrowers" who have taken the idea and tried to pass it off as their own), there has been little real interest expressed in this project -- despite the large number of hits this page has received since being published. Perhaps the word simply didn't get out. ADO is a small group lacking the "star power" or resources of larger, Neodruid organisations. Perhaps our Neodruid cousins are concerned that this project is an effort to harvest their work for our own glory. If so, be assured we have no interest in imposing our views on others, in asserting control, or in using others' work for our own glory. We believe that an authentic Druid map of North America could prove invaluable in working to heal the Wasteland that is emerging all around us and that it would be to all of our benefit to collaborate on creating one. Therefore we shall continue this work, whether alone or with others. Anyone who shares this interest is welcome to participate with us -- or to head up a higher visibility (but inclusive) effort of their own. The point is to get it done. To join your efforts to ours, or to inform us of another effort being headed up elsewhere, please write: ado_admin@avalondruidorder.org; Subject Header: Druid Map.
We look forward to the day we can all collaborate on this and other mutually beneficial works.
Bendithion Afallon,
[PS: I would particularly like to thank those tireless workers on behalf of Sovereignty, my Irish and Scottish mentors Gina, Rosmerta, and Mabh, for their generous sharing on matters concerning the healing and resanctification of the Land. What Gaelic terms we use here are used in honor of your patient years of work on the path before us. May our own small contribution be worthy of your efforts.]
ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS (Links provided for those with active websites):
- Avalon Druid Order (ADO): International
- Blue Rose Grove: Salem, NH
- Green Man Grove: Cave Spring, GA
- Spiral Way Grove: Danbury, CT
- Yewberry Grove: Great Barrington, MA
[Note: As this project has evolved, some participants have preferred to publish their findings online rather than prepare and send documents that will sit unseen until the project is completed. We have honoured this request, though we still prefer that information be submitted in document form, as this shortens and simplifies the work of compiling and preparing it for later publication.]
