ADF Dedicant Program, The Nine Virtues: Fertility

Dedicant’s Path Through the Wheel of the YearWeek 45: ADF Dedicant Program, The Nine Virtues: Fertility : Dedicant’s Path Through the Wheel of the YearWeek 45: ADF Dedicant Program, The Nine Virtues: Fertility 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 is your work with nature going? Have you been working on your books? How is your work with your home shrine going?

Related to Requirement : Related to Requirement Related to Requirements: #1 – Nine Virtues

Required Reading : Required Reading Our Own Druidry, p. 15 (Virtue, Piety and Study) Our Own Druidry, 85-90 (Lore and Essays)

Optional Reading : Optional Reading A Virtuous Life Nine Virtues study guide: The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono

Introduction : Introduction Welcome to the ninth of the Nine Virtues, fertility! Fertility is, of course, the third in the third triad I explained in week 13. This triad that corresponds to the producing class. You might consider going back to read through Week 13's lesson to get a background if you have forgotten some of it.

Discussion : Discussion The Dedicant Handbook defines fertility as follows: "Bounty of mind, body and spirit, involving creativity, production of objects, food, works of art, etc., an appreciation of the physical, sensual, nurturing" Read through that statement until you think you understand it. In your Dedicant Notebook, answer the following questions: Does that definition cover fertility in your eyes? Is it simply having people over, or is there more to it?

Discussion : Discussion What does the definition mean by "creativity" and "appreciation of the physical"? Do these terms sit well with you? Are they too vague, or perhaps too specific?

Discussion : Discussion If that definition doesn't quite sit right with you, head to your nearest dictionary and read the definitions in that it provides. Write it down (it is strongly recommended that you include a dictionary definition in your final write-up). Do any of those definitions make sense? Can they encompass all that fertility is?

Discussion : Discussion Now think of your own personal view of fertility. Try to write it down in words. Feel free to steal phrases from the dictionary or the Handbook if you need to (but please cite your sources). Can you come up with a definition of fertility that makes good sense to you?

Discussion : Discussion Now, think about people you know whom you would call "fertile". Examine why you think of them that way: is it something they know, something they do or the way they did it, or something they have said? Is it something beyond this? Can you find words to describe it? Does fertility go beyond simply having creativity and/or having children? Does it involve physical creation and bringing ideas to fruition?

Discussion : Discussion What does the DP Handbook mean when it talks about "an appreciation of the physical, sensual, nurturing"? Is it talking about doing something specific, and how does this fit in with the idea of creativity?

Discussion : Discussion Think about myths and legends from different cultures. How was fertility shown in the myths and legends? Was there a character in a myth that showed real fertility? How was that fertility displayed (in the Greek myth, Oranus rains upon Gaia, creating life; how does this fit with your idea of fertility)?

Discussion : Discussion Do you see yourself as a fertile person? Fertile in some ways but not others, perhaps? Not fertile at all? Does one need to show fertility consistently to understand the concept of fertility, or to wonder about fertility? Can anyone have fertility?

Discussion : Discussion Think of a time when you have exemplified this virtue. How did you feel? Did you know that this was a virtue at the time? Now think about a time when you failed to show this virtue. How did that make you feel? Did you feel as if you'd done something wrong or inadequate?

Discussion : Discussion Finally, is fertility a Virtue? Is it one that you agree should be on ADF's list? Why was it chosen? What is it about fertility that either makes it a Virtue or keeps it from being one? If you have decided that it is not a Virtue, would you suggest another term, removing it altogether, or replacing it with something else entirely? Many ADF members have issues with this particular Virtue. Why do you think that is?

Discussion : Discussion Now, go back through your answers to these questions and form a response of at least 125 words to "describe your understanding of the Virtue of fertility." And you have your final virtues essay finished! Congratulations!

Homework : Homework Remember to continue your meditation. Go to your special spot in nature. Keep reading your book! Keep working with your home shrine.