The Palm*Grove

The Palm*Grove started out with one man and a dream he wanted to make a reality in the world at large.

That man is ME. Your Feared and Fearful eldarr -Darmock

MY dream was to build a global community of people that could learn grow and evolve together.

A Sudo Religious Faction that is not centered around the will or desires of one GOD but around the needs and development of the individual and the group.

A place where any and all people could come and feel comfortable and welcome no matter what there individual spiritual belief is. Nor what god the choose to pray to.

A more Mature-Adult- Grownup belief system that promotes individual freedom , learning and growth, as well as one that is fun, enjoyable and a bit unorthadox. Not based around the dogma and rules of one or a few people, but one that is based around the ever spinning cycle of Nature itself. 

On the internet I developed an area where people can come, read, chat and message each other.

In my community My Apprentice is working to create a small area where we can have classes and exercises together in a group setting.

In the Future I would like to get some land where we can build on and be at home when we need or want to be there. for learning, relaxation, holy day activities and festivals, etc..

Also I would like to grow places like this around the world where all people can go at will.

The area will contain a library, a chapel, a bonfire area, a meeting area, a swimming and sunning area, a bonfire area, etc... It will also contain an area for growing exotic plants, and an area to help the animals of the world who need a home.

For Nature is not based around Man alone, but all the species of the earth.

I know that this is a grand dream, and I know that I will not see it fulfilled in my lifetime. However with the help of the people that are interested, in the same ideal ,It will one day come to life. One small step at a time in small areas here and there, Until it circles the Globe and flies with us out into space.

I wish to take the ancient ways of the Celts and bring them to a global setting in modern day, with all that we have now and all that we will have in the future. to create a better way for all species to live in harmony with each other, nature, spirits, elementals, etc.

Mankind needs to once again emerge from his/her comfortable shell and begin to grow to expand to renew thier spirit for adventure and quench their thirst for freedom and knowledge.

 

I take from several different theologies created by people around the world and blend them into a tasty little drink that all may sip from. to get a taste of the whole of nature and the world.

Our bent is on learning and freedom and evolving and fun.

Let down your hair, cast off your inhibitions, put away your judgmental attitude, and let your spirit fly free once again!

Join The Palm*Grove.

Learn Grow, Evolve, and enjoy life onec again.

 

 

 

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You can always check our calendar for what is coming up.

Here will be highlights posted for your convenience:

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More on what the outer grove is to be here

 

Palm*Grove Practices:

Our practices are adaptable and changing to encompass the knowledge and wisdom that we gain through our studies.

These are the main practices that we encourage others to use to find fulfillment and wisdom in life.

Grove Practices:

A) Main Practices:

Meditation - good for the mind and spirit
Yoga and Physical Improvement
Solstice an Equinoxes ( keeping the festival days)
Scientific Method Exploration and experimentation
Spiritual Enlightenment Exploration and Improvement
Nature Exploration and Natural activities
Playtime -Rest, relaxation , and fun and enjoyment
Misc. anything not covered in the above areas

Honoring the Awen

Warning: practices may change, vary, and be added to without notice!
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B) Sub Practices:

1)) Guided and unguided meditation in group and solitary
Poetry, and music,, Arts and crafts ,

different meditation techniques,

story telling, jokes, mythology, legends, quiet time,

 self-centering, conversing with nature, etc...

2)) Yoga sessions

Simple Yoga sessions,
Physical out door activities ,

3)) Keeping an eye on the solstice and Equinox

and holding ceremonies or festivals appropriate to each

4)) The Scientific method expounds into many areas from learning computers to herbology to Learning the stars and constellations and all points in between.
Working with energies both subtle and gross

Knowing your environment,body, ( and its needs and requirements) science, etc...

If you find something that you are interested in and might fit well then investigate it. put it to the scientific test and see if it is valid.

Somethings however must be taken on faith alone and cannot be readily proven.

5)) Spiritual enlightenment is not just believing in your god and praying . We allow for each individual to personally and group wise- experience different forms of spiritual enlightenment from any and nearly all sects.
Including American Indian rituals and practices to the Buddhist faith to the voodoo priest of Africa. to Christianic readings from the good book.
We believe that each faith is but a part of the whole and may give some light to an area not covered by another.

Learning more about different Gods and deities, cultures, philosophies,  prophesies, lifestyles, legends, myths, and stories etc...

Learning about and revering the ancients, ancestors, different races, species, and realms.
The Goal is total enlightenment

Spirituality should not be a passive construct, and should never remain stagnant, but should be engrained into your very life and workings with the world and others, and should continue to grow and evolve.

6)) Nature, Wow thats takes in alot eh?
Nature walks are always good,
going to the park for the day,
fishing, swimming, flying a kite,
Gardening, and planting of trees and tree groves,
Political upheaval to maintain the nature as it should be,
Suntanning is also good.
Social Nudity in certain times and areas is widely accepted
This is also good for mental stability and physical improvement. See the page on Skyclad Druidry.
And anything else that may have to do with nature and natural phenomena is accepted
Acceptance of others views and belief systems as being a valued part of the whole and appropriate to that individual

BE Creative here.

7)) Playtime. Playtime is Very important to the Soul, the mind , the body , and the spirit.
this can take form in many different ways from Board games, to internet games to RPG games, to wizard games to just enjoying the day in the sun,  relaxing with a good book, enjoying time with your kids or grandkids, fishing, rocketry, paining, writing a poem, keeping up with your journal, dancing etc...and may encompass any of the above practices as well.

Again.. be creative here, if it sounds like fun and no one will get hurt, or land in jail, give it a try 

8)) Helping others out whether they are in the grove or not is always good.
If you see someone in need, do not turn your back on them. whether it is merely a pat on the back that is needed, or an ear to chew on or a nice hug etc..
Reading and learning of the old ways and the legends and lore.
Creating new techniques and rituals for a needed area.
Sharing what you have done or learned with the other members to help all grow.

9) The soul of the human wants to investigate and try all there is to try here on earth.

God has put forth all the things on the earth and has given man the ability to use ,and/or make contact with them.

10 ) Honoring the AWEN:

Follow the Path of the AWEN.

Honor the Spirits, the Ancestors, The Gods, All of Nature, the human Being in all its facets and spiritual natures, and Time itself.

All things in moderation is the key.

***Note: The grove does not insist that you learn each and every part of druidry or even that you accept and practice all of the above.

Keeping to the  main tenets is most important.

However : It has been found that taking part in the many practices we have to offer and at least giving it a try at least 3 times is beneficial to your own growth and improvement as well as that of the grove.

REMEMBER:

Never fear that which has not been tried.

If you do what you have always done, you will get what you have always had.

click her for more information about me

The Palm*Grove of Florida Recognizes that each individual is unique unto themselves, with thier own likes, dislikes, skills, and perceptions. We revel in the differences and declare that- that is what makes us the strongest.

And yet we recognise that even with these differences we can come together to celebrate the High Days ( as Our ancestors once did) in union as a single entity , combining all the different aspects of each other and becoming stronger from the union.

WE hold to our simple tenets and when required we gather together to aid each member in their time of need. With ritual, meditation etc...

WE recognize that all will not be totally comfortable with all the practices we utilize , but request that you at least attempt it at least three times on three different occurances for your own sake and that of the entire grove.

Though in general we do not force anyone to do anything they do not wish to do.

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              Our Tenets:

The main tenets of the Palm*Grove:
1: Nature is Good
2: That which is Natural is Good

Sub tenets:

3: Follow the AWEN to attain True Wisdom and Happiness
4: The problems of the world can be solved using Logic, and Reason.
5: Life and all things in it are a gift from the divine realm and
should be respected and celebrated.
6) Use the scientific method to test new spiritual practices for yourself.
7) Do whats right. ( for you) (( we all know the basics of right and wrong))
8) Seek a spiritual path that expands on the betterment of life for all species as well as all mankind.
9)
10)

 

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Additional information on tenets:

According to one Reformed Druid document, The Book of the Law, the Basic Beliefs of Reformed Druidism run thusly:

1)“The object of the search for religious truth, which is a universal and a never-ending search, may be found through the Earth-Mother; which is Nature; but this is one way, yea, one way among many.

2)"And great is the importance, which is of spiritual importance, of Nature, which is the Earth-Mother; for it is one of the objects of Creation, and with it do people live, yea, even as they do struggle through life are they come face-to-face with it.”

This has since been abbreviated, in The Outline of the Foundation of Fundamentals, to the following statements:

“1. Nature is good! ", and the second is like unto the first

"2. Nature is good!”

Druidry also teaches the sanctity of all life, and that all life is important, not just the life of man.

The very universe is alive and thriving and we ( put here as the caretakers) must once again take our rightful place and care for Gaea, instead of destroying her with our greed, and in compassionate destructive ways.

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In Spiritual Humanism we seek to make the world a better place for all humanity,

We use the scientific method to discover the validity of spiritual practices of enlightenment for our own purposes.

And we Seek to grow.

What are we growing?

Plants mostly,

Hopefully we are growing a fine community as well, a global community that will be united when it finally reaches the stars and leaves behind a few settlers on distant planets.

A community where life in the here and now is of greater importance then the threat of what will happen in the after life.

One where in the plants and the animals and the Fae, and the spirits, and the Gods once again may walk together in peace and Harmony, while putting aside the petty disagreements as inconsequential, and unimportant.

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Universal life

 reads mainly from the holy bible, and yet sees it in its truest form as a set of stories written down to aide you in your spiritual journey of Life.

Its one main tenant is: DO What is Right ( for you).

We all know the basics of right and wrong, and if we strive for harmony and peace and the betterment of all mankind  as well as all species ,we will exist, evolve and grow - together.

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Our Symbol is the AWEN. It is our Guide, Direction and our Inspiration :

The three Points represent the BASE parts of Humanity : "Mind", "Body", "Spirit" :

                       All three make up man and should be cared for and nurtured.

The three Pillars stand for "Truth","Wisdom", "Justice" :
That which man should always be in Strive for.

The three Circles Represent The 3 plains of the known world: "Sky", "Earth", and "Water" :
That which gives and maintains all life.

The Empty space within represents the ever churning void of Time - Past Present and Future,
Mixing together and ever spilling into the next.
Beware or it will slip away from you.

Click here for more info on the AWEN

 

In keeping with the old traditions, Our celebrations are based on the general ancient Celtic ways.

Our dates are not set in stone , but based around the Natural progression of the seasons and natural phenomena as well as taking into consideration work schedules and events of other groups that our membership may be involved with.

Every celebration has been different to date in its function, purpose and style, depending on who and how many people showed up , weather conditions,  staging area ,time of year, and general mood of the membership.

In the ways of the ancient celts:  The main emphasis of the celebration is the congregating of the membership, the feast, and celebrating the day.

 In ancient times The Druid Class would normally hold a ritual either in private or in the main staging area for all to view, and participate in, while the other classes did as they did.

We as a grove are looking along the same general lines:

We will be having : food ,drink, fun and games, a ceremonial ritual, and general camaraderie amongst the group members ,  combat exercises for the warriors, perhaps a lesson or workshop, and a podium  or soapbox for any who wish to give a speech to the masses, as well as other things.

WE have no set format for the ceremony and we may take it from anyone of a number of sources.

This is to give everyone a taste of the different cultures, styles, and beliefs  of other druid groups, cultures , etc..

We will hold true to the grove, individuals, and the Celtic pantheon as a base,  and mainly celebrate the day, we encourage all who join the gathering to participate in a public ritual, but it is not required.

WE celebrate the day and allow each individual to worship their god, gods, deities, etc , in anyway they see fit to do so.

We do accept all solitaires of different sects into the membership and recognize that they may have a special ritual, that they need more people to help ( taking into consideration the scope and purpose of the ritual requested).

 As a grove we are here to help you out in your spiritual quest and will aide you in your ritual as a group .If you have something special that you would like to do during the ceremony, please let us know ahead of time, including any props words or specializations that you require for it, so that we may be ready for it.

Setting up a celebration of this sort is expensive and time consuming on the hosts.

We do request that anyone coming - if you could bring a little something to the table ( food or drink wise, any music cds you would like to play , ideas you would like to try,etc.. and of course respect the area that it is being held in, as it maybe in a general open park area or at a hosts main house.

There may on ,special occasions: be a bardic sometime during the affair:

a bardic is like a round table, where each individual contributes a story, legend, joke etc ..about a particular deity, subject etc.. if there is to be one at the upcoming celebration, it will be posted on the site so that you can prepare for it.

 

There will be a contribution jar available for those who wish to lend a hand in this or another upcoming celebration, or to help the grove grow as well. We have many projects on the burners but we lack the required funds to see them out. Any help will be gratefully accepted.