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The Folk of the Grove [This article was writen by Phoenix and first appeared in our newsletter in 1995. It describes, in a small way, what the Folk of the Grove is about.] When I think of what I want for Muin Mound Grove, I think
of a feeling of family. I think of a community where I can grow and
learn with people who are closer than friends. I have been trying for
three years to help build a sense of true community within the Grove
and now it is beginning to really happen. In my mind, the Folk of the
Grove are the people who are first, a national member of Ár nDraíocht
Féin. It is as important for us to support the national organization,
as it is to support our own Grove. Without the national organization
we probably would not have met as we did. We would not have the structure
that our Grove has without the National. Face it, everything would be
very different. I also feel that it is important for each member of
the Folk of the Grove to attended business meetings, for this is where
the Grove makes its decisions and does some wonderful work. I also feel
that it is important for each member of the Folk to have completed their
first circle vigil. This is a way to present yourself to what you hold
important as well as making a pledge to work for and with ADF. What
I feel is most important for a member of the Folk is to have gone through
the Grove Welcoming ceremony. In this ceremony each candidate will be
asked questions about why they want to join the Folk of the Grove. They, most importantly, will have to swear an oath before
the Nature Spirits, the Ancestors, and the Gods and Goddesses that they
will work for and with Muin Mound Grove as long as they are counted
among its folk. In my mind the Folk of the Grove will function as a community
playing and working together. I hope to see special ceremonies performed,
discussion groups, parties and a general spirit of learning and understanding.
This will be the group that will plan and write the rituals and festivals
that we will hold. This will be the part of the Grove that will have
separate groups that will function as smaller guilds and SIG's, although
they are open to everyone, if the Folk want. They would also be the
people who would get to wear the beautiful emblems. Anyone who would
fill the requirements listed above and who would ask to join the Folk
of the Grove, would be allowed. We hope to see the numbers of the Folk grow large! Current Folk of the Grove - 4/7/06 Sharon Ellison - Joined the Folk - 10/31/94 Updated 4/7/06 |