A modern Druid school in the tradition
of the ancient hedgerow Bards,
bringing together mentors from diverse Avlaonian Druid and related, complementary groups and Traditions.

Facilitated by
the Avalon Druid Order (ADO).
What is a Hedgerow School?

All spiritual traditions and philosophies must pass on to their members the articles of their faith. While the Tribes (congregation) learn their faith at home and at seasonal gatherings, Druids also traditionally apprentice with wandering 'Masters' (or 'Bards'), whose impromptu gatherings under the boughs of the Wild Wood are remembered in the lore of the  "Hedgerow Schools." These wilderness Schools predate and succeed the great Druid Colleges and Mystery Schools, being both more flowingly traditional in manner, and more elusive when under attack. For unlike adherents to mainstream religions, Druids are often denied the right to gather in worship or to teach our faith.
During the Druid persecutions, stiff penalties were meted out for the 'heresy' of adhering to an ancestral faith. Though many feared to gather at the great Centers as once they had, most were loathe to abandon their ancient customs and beliefs; and so they chose to forge new paths to old places. The impenetrable thorns of the hedgerows afforded them both nourishment and protection, so wherever a Druid paused to munch  beneath the bows, a circle would form until the next breeze should sweep them to another roost --
conditions that persist even today in much of the world.

For many, it is still unsafe to claim the title "Druid" or meet within the sacred Grove. There are places where even to be seen meditating is dangerous. Outside the major metropolitan areas, which tend to be more tolerant of diversity, the need of the Hedgerow School with its roving faculty of independent Bards remains; and so, when the Winds are right, we constellate to share the ancient wisdoms. The gathering is coordinated through the auspices of our training consultant, Avalon Sanctuary. While the Hedgerow School continues a very old mode of teaching, it remains utterly unique to this time. It's wealth is greater than the sum of the Bards and Schools whose wisdoms adorn it, for its riches are measured in the hearts of its Mentors and students. If you have an eye to see truth, a heart to feel it, and a boldness that dares to follow... we welcome you!
Modes of Study & Experience

Like our ancestors, who founded the Western Mystery Traditions, we at the Hedgerow School believe that direct example and personal  experience remain the very best teachers. Wherever possible we avoid conventional 'classroom' syllabuses, lesson plans, and fixed schedules of tests and written assignments in favour of an organic approach that respects the true nature of reality and the Mysteries. Thus, the only 'fixed' element of Hedgerow Training is the Cycle itself, through whose structure the wheel of experience is expressed in endless variation. Hedgerow Bards mentor based on their perceptions of the needs of each Seeker in the moment of experience. This environment will be very different from anything to which you are likely accustomed, and will require patience and trust to reap the full benefit.

Current courses on offer through independent Mentors will vary. Please register and address all questions, payments, and other concerns regarding coursework on offer directly to the individuals with whom you will be contracting for study. Additional terms and conditions may apply, so please verify requirements and expectations with your chosen mentors before commencing your studies.

Home Study

A 'Home Study' is any course the bulk of which is undertaken by the Seeker at a distance from their Mentor. It is essentially a guided independent study on a specific theme that is often intended to lay the groundwork for later face-to-face training. These studies may include imbedded workshops to ensure a true experience of key skills (such as 'recognizing Avalon's energy signature', etc.), without whose mastery there can be little real progress. Generally, the less packaging the better, and 'paperless' courses compensate through flexibility and 'live time' with Mentors.

Intensive Workshop

Three and a half days of intensive training and experience in Avalonian Druidry or Priest/ess Craft, Tribal Life, and Spirituality. This kind of deep study is perfect for those whose careers preclude the lengthy trips required for Immersion and Pilgrimage, but who have a deep desire for an authentic experience of Avalonian Druid (or related) spiritualities, and who wish to breathe life and power into their personal spiritual practice.

Immersion

A two to four week plunge into Avalonian life and spirituality, Immersion provides a direct experience that delves beneath the surface to provide the closest possible experience of the daily life of ancient Avalon's Novice Druids or Priest/esses. Each Immersion is uniquely designed to best meet the needs of the size and type of group that will be attending. Facets of ancestral life common to all Immersions include: life in a collective; wild crafting and home keeping; myths and lore; guest laws and other ancestral customs; spirit journey; traditional methods of remembering; differentiating kinds of energies and energy correspondences; discovering and communing with Spirit of Place; and learning the language of the sacred landscape. Ample time is also allowed for personal vigil, contemplation, and exploration.

Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage is undertaken primarily to experience ancient sacred sites directly. Group travel is more affordable than individual travel and has the added advantage of access to the guidance of experienced Avalonian spiritual practitioners. Maximum time is allowed for seeing and experiencing Avalonian sites, private exploration, personal vigil, spiritual journeys, and private contemplation.

Unlike Intensive and Immersion, Pilgrimage is meant to bring us into closer spiritual harmony with the sacred through a largely personal act. Mentors are present primarily to provide background information on specific sites, tips on how to approach and explore different kinds of sacred areas, to facilitate access to sites and lesser known areas of interest, and for verification of the unique and powerful experiences that are common in such liminal places. Your experience of Pilgrimage will be unique to you. Time spent in the sacred places of the world have the power to advance or set back our progress, depending upon one's readiness to accept their lessons. What is necessary is an open mind, an accepting heart, and the willingness to suspend one's expectations to embrace the unknown.
Course Descriptions

Please consider the following descriptions carefully. Register for courses by contacting Mentors directly via the link provided (for ADO Mentor Offerings use the form below). Titles in blue are open to the public, but are also accepted by ADO. (*) denotes ADO-accepted coursework by recognised artists who are not currently Hedgerow faculty. You may expect to feel some uneasiness with traditional training initially, but its differences are also its strength. Please contact Mentors directly with any questions or concerns and if you are still unsure, please consider more conventional avenues of study. This way is not suited to everyone. Whether it is suited to you only your heart can say.

Home Studies
(9-month correspondence studies. See Mentor websites for prices on other courses.)

  • Celtic Herbalism - Nine month correspondence course covering the basic herbs of the modern Celtic Healer's medicine kit, traditional philosophy, ethics, wildcrafting, and methods of growing and preparing herbs.Mentors: Brighids Academy of Healing Arts
  • Celtic Art - Apprentice in the art of making Celtic knotwork, Pictish zoomorphic animals, gilding, and calligraphy with one of today's masters.Mentors: AON Celtic Art/Cari Buziak

Intensive Workshops
(4-day intensives, each $350 USD per person, includes accommodations.)Mentor(s): Avalon Sanctuary (TBD)

A taste of Avalon's Novitiate for those who cannot make extended pilgrimage. Workshop sequence provides a context for understanding the Druid or Priest/ess's place within Avalon's spiritual community and world communities; compares and contrasts various Avalonian healing cycles and practices; offers a profound experience of Avalonian spiritual culture and spiritual life within a safe, sanctified space.
  • Intro to the Avalon Mystery Tradition - The only comprehensive introductory course, including an overview of all of the modern branches and closely related offshoots that have evolved into separate Paths. If you want to learn what makes Avalonian Tradition "Avalonian" and discover how the different Avalonian groups are (or aren't) related, this is the place to be.
  • Avalonian Druid Priest/ess Craft - Examines the commonalties and  differences between different kinds of Avalonian clergy, and the ways in which each train and practice Avalonian spirituality. Includes basic, core skills common to each, and guidance on how to discover which type of clergy best suits your personality, beliefs, lifestyle, and needs.

Immersion
(Current price: $2,100 USD per person, includes 18 days study and lodgings; min. enrolment- 10, maximum- 21. Please write in advance for current dates and to confirm minimum enrolment has been met.)*

Brings the Seeker as fully as possible into the life, ways, worldview, customs, and spirituality of ancient Avalon as she is known and honored Avalonian Druidry today. Being in Avalon's sacred landscape in spiritual communion with other Druids is an inspiring experience. It enlivens our past-life memory, and helps to illuminate our purpose today. To walk with our ancestors and take in their presence, to explore their wisdoms at the very wellspring of their belief, and to see our world through their eyes is an overwhelming, truly unforgettable experience!

Several types of Immersions are offered:
  • Avalonian Landscape: Experience Avalon's "Star Temples" (landscape zodiacs). Somerset (UK) / Mentors: Nicholas Mann & Philippa Glasson -- or Council Rock, NC (USA) /  Mentor(s): Avalon Sanctuary (TBD)
  • Avalonian Culture: Enter, for a time, into the ancient, pre-Celtic megalithic culture whose worldview lies at the root of Avalon's spiritual tradition. Mona (Wales) or Black Mountain, NC (USA) / Mentor(s): Avalon Sanctuary (TBD) / Imbolc

These ancient centers reflect the original, ninefold template that would come to define the whole Avalon Mystery Tradition, both ancient and modern; a template which spans the whole of Avalon's history. Although not all Avalonian groups include all of these these sites in their work, each site has its own special purpose, presence, and power and the template itself remains a vital key to the inner life of our Tradition today.

For the fullest possible experience, we strongly urge participants to follow certain basic guidelines:`Participants are housed in communal lodgings that evoke, as nearly as possible, the life and culture of ancient Avalon. All participants must observe house rules and help with weekly chores.  An organic / whole foods diet and natural-fiber wardrobe is highly recommended. Smoking, pets, use of mind-altering substances, and non-medical electronic devices are prohibited in all lodgings. Guides/instructors may enter common rooms  unannounced at their discretion. The traditional ancient courtesies shall be extended to all attendees.

Pilgrimage
(Current price: $1,800 USD per person, incl. 18 days lodgings; min. enrolment- 10, maximum, maximum- 30)* Mentors are on rotation, so please contact us for current names.

For all who share an interest and concern for the sacred places in our world. Sacred sites amplify our experience of the sacred in ways that make them more comprehensible to us. While we associate pilgrimage with journeys to faraway, exotic places, pilgrimage is mainly a sacred journey within.  Therefore while some guidance is provided in how best to work with each site, the main focus is on personal reflection and contemplation. Locations include: Somerset, Britain; Mona, Wales; the Hebrides; Temair, Ireland; or Carnac, Brittany. Special Pilgrimages can be created upon request with sufficient advance notice and financial commitment by attendees.

* If your enrolment will require you to leave your own country, you must obtain any passport and visas required of you by the country where the event will be held. We advise you to apply for these documents a year ahead, as it can take months to receive them. Also, lodgings must be reserved up to a year in advance, and many venues place restrictions on refunds. You will need to sign up one year ahead of your scheduled travel and pay a nonrefundable 50 % deposit six months in advance to secure your place for Immersion or Pilgrimage.

Faculty

Traditional schools have no "faculty" as they are known to us today, but they do have wise folk and elders who are charged with facilitating the learning process for serious Seekers and who share information and collaborate to ensure the greatest possible continuity and consistency in the learning environment. In this sense Hedgerow School Mentors are a faculty, despite not being "employees" in the usual sense. However, while conventional faculties tend to be entrenched, Hedgerow faculty members may change from season to season and year to year. Those who mentor most frequently tend to assume the roles of senior faculty, and it is these individuals whose profiles are provided here as examples of the caliber of Mentors you may look forward to studying with upon enrolment.

Programme Evaluation

We're also interested in knowing about your experience at the Hedgerow School. Please take a moment to complete our online Programme Evaluation once you have completed your chosen course(s) by clicking the link below, completing and submitting the online form. Your comments will be reviewed by the Hedgerow School Faculty and any problems identified will be thoroughly explored and corrected, as needed.

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Please use the links at the Site Directory below to access our Evaluation Form and information on Hedgerow Faculty. For questions about upcoming coursework, please contact the Hedgerow School facilitator/event coordinator, Avalon Druid Order (ADO): ado_admin@avalondruidorder.org, subject header: Hedgerow School. An ADO volunteer will be in touch as soon as possible to assist you. Once again, thank you for your interest in the Avalon Hedgerow School. We look forward to meeting you at a Hedgerow event one day soon!
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