Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Druidry?

Druidry is a neo-Pagan path that worships in a Celtic context, through both a reconstructionist and revivalist lens. That means we’re trying to worship nature, ancestors, gods, and spirits. Sometimes we worship them exactly as the Iron Age Druids would have, and sometimes we’re just trying to recreate the spirit or intention of the celebrations. Druids, like most modern Pagans, celebrate 8 holidays at the solstices, equinoxes, and midpoints between. There are many Druid organizations, and many ways to approach Druidry. Druid groups are usually called groves, like Red Oak Grove.

What is ADF?

ADF stands for A Druid Fellowship, which is the parent organization of Red Oak Grove. We get our 501c(3) status from them, as well as general guidelines on how to operate and perform ritual. It’s not the only Druid organization out there, but it’s the one we’re a member of.

You don’t have to be a member of a Grove to be in ADF, and you don’t have to be a member of ADF to be in Red Oak Grove. It’s a very open and relaxed church which exists mostly to give groves structure, training, and bureaucratic help to best serve their communities.

What’s with all the Welsh?

ADF groves are required to have a hearth culture, or a specific pre-Christian culture whose practices inspire our modern worship. As we are primarily a Welsh grove, we include some Welsh in our liturgy. Here are the ones you’ll hear most often:

Croeso (“CROY-so”) means “welcome,” which we say when we invite gods and spirits into ritual.

Bydedd Felly (“BUH-thed FELL-ee”) means “Let it be so” or “Amen,” which we say periodically during ritual. In general, if the Druids running the ritual say “Bydedd Felly,” everyone will repeat it back.

Tylwyth Teg (“tuh-LEW-eth teg”) means “family of the trees” and is the name we use for the spirits of nature.

Do I need to be Welsh or have Welsh heritage to participate?

We and our gods welcome people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. There is no space for folkish and racialist practices at our events.

What can I expect at a Red Oak Grove event?

Feasting, hospitality, ritual, and fun! All of our high days are open to the public and kid-friendly (the more kids, the merrier!), but we can’t guarantee that they’re sober. We’ll feed you, run a workshop, and usually run a cooking contest. We’ll host a high day ritual, which involves singing and making offerings to the spirits, gods, and ancestors. Feel free to bring offerings of your own! For weekend long events, we also host a community ritual, where we tell each other things we’re proud of and thankful for.

What if I’m not a member? What if I’m not a Druid? What if I’m not Pagan at all?

Don’t worry! All of our high day events are completely open to the public, regardless of religion or membership in the Grove. As long as you are kind and respectful, you are welcome at our fire. Here’s our Hospitality Statement, if that helps.

I’ve never been to a Pagan Event. What should I do? What should I bring? What should I wear?

Welcome and thank you for joining us! You can wear whatever you’d like as long as you are clothed and aren’t wearing hate speech. Some of us may have fancy robes, but more of us wear our everyday clothes.

When coming to a ROG event, you may want to bring:

Plates and cutlery, to reduce our plastic waste
A water bottle and sunscreen if we’re outside
Diet-specific foods. We do our best to accommodate all dietary needs, but if you’ve just registered for an event or your needs are hyper-specific, we might need your help.
Cash for our designated charity
Offerings for ritual. This can be poetry, food, drinks, flowers, birdseed, or something seasonally appropriate.

When you arrive at our event, please introduce yourself! That way we can make sure one of our more experienced members can show you around and answer any questions.

Before ritual we usually host a briefing to explain what will happen. This is a great time to ask questions and soothe any pre-ritual jitters you may have.

Most importantly, have fun!

Are your events accessible?

Most of our events are held at picnic areas or cabins, both of which are wheelchair accessible. Two of our eight high days, however, are hosted at a private residence which has some steps and an inaccessible bathroom.

Our rituals aren’t closed circles, so attendees are welcome to pop out if they need a moment and to sit through ritual. We’re also happy to work with you on sensory accomodations.

By default Grove-provided meals have vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you have other dietary restrictions, just tell us beforehand!

How do I pay for events?

Cash in person, or via Paypal.