ADF Dedicant Program, Nature Awareness 2

Dedicant’s Path Through the Wheel of the YearWeek 21: Nature Awareness 2 : Dedicant’s Path Through the Wheel of the YearWeek 21: Nature Awareness 2 Presented by Rev. Jessie “Medb” Olson ~ Based on Our Own Druidry and The ADF Dedicant Path Through the Wheel of the Year

Review : Review How did you do on your essay on the Virtue of Vision? How is your work with nature going? Are you continuing to do your regular meditation and mental discipline? How is that going? Where are you succeeding the most and what challenges do you still have to overcome? How did you do on your essay about the meaning of Yule? Did you perform your Yule rite? Or are you ready to perform your Yule rite?

Related to Requirement : Related to Requirement #7 – Nature Awareness

Required Reading : Required Reading Our Own Druidry, p. 41 - 46 (Attunement to Nature and the Kindred)

Required Reading : Required Reading "Connecting With the Natural World" by Ladytoad ; "On the Solitary Path" by Ladytoad ; "Nature Worship as Lifestyle" by Kate Farrell ; "O Earth Mother, We Praise Thee" from The Druid Chronicles ; Sacred Fire, Holy Well by Ian Corrigan, p. 163-166; The Solitary Druid by Rev. Skip Ellison, p. 69-80

Introduction : Introduction By now you should have a strong connection to the space. If you don't yet, don't worry. Simply continue working in the spot. It might take a long time to reach a level where you do feel truly connected. As this connection forms, though, you can use it to branch out and become aware of nature and interconnectedness on a much larger scale. To do this, you will need to combine the practical experience of nature with knowledge of your place within it.

Criteria : Criteria 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. (500 word min)

Criteria : Criteria Inadequate Word length inadequate Plagiarism Lacking spiritual connection Lacking practical application of spiritual connection Lack of respect for Earth and/or environmental concerns

Criteria : Criteria Adequate Word length adequate Develop a spiritual connection with nature Demonstrate environmentally-sound habits in daily life Ties spiritual connection with lifestyle choices

Criteria : Criteria Excellent Publishable quality reviews Deep/unique insights Activism Community outreach or education to inspire others

Discussion : Discussion Where does your trash go? Are there options for recycling that you're making use of? Why or why not? Are there steps you can take to help reduce the amount of refuse you create? What happens to your wastewater? What rivers are nearby? Do you have a connection to them? What sort of connection?

Discussion : Discussion Describe the basic climate of your area. Is it often wet and rainy? Dry and sunny? Wet and sunny? How has this affected the kinds of plants and animals in the area? What visible effects have humans had on the natural landscapes around you? Where do the winds usually come from? Are there different winds at different times of the year?

Discussion : Discussion What major crops are grown in your region? Why are these particular crops grown here? Where does your power come from (i.e. nuclear, solar, coal, gas, etc.)?

Discussion : Discussion You may not be able to answer all these questions today. You should begin to see how your life in particular is affected by the way humans interact with nature. In seeing that, you will hopefully be able to see your own place within the web of nature. Write a short paragraph about where you are now, and one about where you would like to be.

Homework : Homework Also, you should be nearly done with your Indo-European studies book. We will begin the next book next month. If you‘re behind on your reading you can start getting caught up Or if you are just joining us you can wait and start the next book assignment with the rest of the class We’ll come back around to the Indo-European Studies book next year. Don’t forget to: Continue visiting your nature spot. Continue working on building mental discipline. Continue using and working in your home shrine, send pics to me and I’ll post them next time.