- ADF is dedicated to excellence, and scholarly study is a part of
it. The following is a short list of ADF Dedicant's Path
requirements:
1) Written discussion of the Dedicant's understanding of each of the
following nine virtues: wisdom, piety, vision, courage, integrity,
perseverance, hospitality, moderation and fertility. The Dedicant
may also include other virtues, if desired, and compare them to
these nine. (Suggested 125 words min. each)
2) Short essays on each of the eight ADF High Days including a
discussion of the meaning of each feast (Suggested 125 words min.
each)
3) Short book reviews on at least: 1 Indo-European studies title, 1
preferred ethnic study title and 1 modern Paganism title. These
titles can be selected from the recommended reading list in the
Dedicant's Path manual or the ADF web site ( ADF Reading List) , or
chosen by the student, with prior approval of the Preceptor.
(Suggested 325 word min. each)
4) A brief description, with photos if possible, of the Dedicant's
home shrine and plans for future improvements. (Suggested 150 words
min.)
5) An essay focusing on the Dedicant's understanding of the meaning
of the "Two Powers" meditation or other form of 'grounding and
centering', as used in meditation and ritual. This account should
include impressions and insights that the Dedicant gained from
practical experience. (Suggested 300 word min)
6) An essay or journal covering the Dedicant's personal experience
of building mental discipline, through the use of meditation,
trance, or other systematic techniques on a regular basis. The
experiences in the essay or journal should cover at least a five
months period. (Suggested 800 words min.)
7) An account of the Dedicant's efforts to work with nature, honor
the Earth, and understand the impacts and effects of the Dedicant's
lifestyle choices on the environment and/or the local ecosystem and
how she or he could make a difference to the environment on a local
level. (Suggested 500 word min)
8) A brief account of each High Day ritual attended or performed by
the Dedicant in a twelve month period. High Days attended/performed
might be celebrated with a local grove, privately, or with another
Neopagan group. At least 4 of the rituals attended/performed during
the training period must be ADF-style. (Suggested 100 words min.
each)
9) One essay describing the Dedicant's understanding of and
relationship to EACH of the Three Kindred: the Spirits of Nature,
the Ancestors and the Gods. (Suggested 300 words min. for each
Kindred and 1000 words total)
10) A brief account of the efforts of the Dedicant to develop and
explore a personal (or Grove-centered) spiritual practice, drawn
from a specific culture or combination of cultures.
11) The text of the Dedicant's Oath Rite and a self-evaluation of
the Dedicant's performance of the rite. (Suggested 500 word min.)
ADF members meet twice a month to work on the Dedicant's Path
together. Although anyone is welcome to come to one meeting without
being an ADF member, one does need to join ADF to continue with the
program.
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Grove
of the Rising Phoenix