News From the Grove

The First Annual Gathering of the Keltrian Tribes

June 4 - 6 , 1999

      Well, I have returned home finally from The Gathering of the Keltrian Tribes and have time to reflect, and I return with hope in my heart for the future of the Henge of Keltria in particular and for Druidism in general. Many good things came out of this first national Keltrian Gathering. It was wonderful to finally put faces to the names of people I have been communicating with for years, and to meet new people that are members of the Henge.
     When I first arrived I made an offering to the spirit of the lake. We opened the gathering with introductions, dinner, and then the opening Keltrian ritual held on top of a grassy hill at dusk surrounded by trees. As the stars began to peek out, the wind rose, and I looked around at all the bright faces there holding hands as a clan in the firelight, singing songs together as one. There was something truly beautiful in that sight, and my heart was glad.
      At an appropriate point in the ritual, GreyWolf and I sent herbal gifts to the Gods on the sacred fire.
     The next day was filled with workshops. The Solitary workshop that I led was done at the beach area (after a great cooling swim in the 90+ degree heat), but as I walked back toward the main area when my workshop was over I was struck by another heartwarming sight: a small group of students gathered around a bearded Druid teacher under a great old lovely oak tree, intent on the instruction being given. This, I thought, is the way it should be for us, the way it once was. I certainly had a feeling of deja vu when I saw this.
     Searles O'Dubhain's workshop on the Ogham was very successful and much appreciated by those who attended. Every time I hear Searles talk about the Ogham, no matter what I've heard before, I always learn a little something new. The Grove Leader's workshop, led by Wren, was also enlightening and well-presented.
      After the workshops that night we had a wonderful feast of turkey and all the fixings and a birthday party for Searles, complete with cake and ice cream and presents. (I will have to tell about the Great Cake Search another time. ) After that we went back to the central fire for the Bardic Competition, where we heard some very talented people singing, telling stories, playing music -- we even had a bagpiper in a kilt who just wandered in and asked if he could join us. The Bardic Fire lasted into the wee hours of the morning, with just about everyone contributing in one way or another. It was wonderful!
     Sunday morning was the Annual Members Meeting, where the founder of Keltria spoke about a vision statement for the Henge, the Board had a chance to address the other members' questions and concerns, and the results of the elections were announced. We then proceeded to the hilltop to close the ritual that began on Friday night. We worked in sacred space all weekend, and the entire gathering was very successful. I, for one, have come away with a new sense of purpose and a renewed desire to serve the Druid community. Once in a while we really need that personal, face-to-face contact with our clan members to recharge our batteries.
     Yes, I am quite happy with the way the Gathering went, and I look forward to next year.

TopazOwl