DP Approved!

Well, I completed my Dedicant's Program with ADF in May of 2003. This webpage includes the full version of what I submitted to the Preceptor at that point, plus some revisions and additions. But that's not enough for me.

Recently a new set of requirements was approved by the ADF Mother Grove. With those new requirements, my webpage became outdated. In order to continue to serve the ADF community, I fully intend to work through the DP in its revised state. So far, both my Virtues article and my High Holy Days article are re-written.

I still have the old requirements for the DP posted, along with the work I did for them.

The requirements for the Dedicant Program are as follows:

1. Written discussion of the Dedicant's understanding of each of the following nine virtues: wisdom, piety, vision, courage, integrity, perseverance, hospitality, moderation and fertility. The Dedicant may also include other virtues, if desired, and compare them to these nine. (Suggested 125 words min. each)

2. Short essays on each of the eight ADF High Days including a discussion of the meaning of each feast (Suggested 125 words min. each)

3. Short book reviews on at least: 1 Indo-European studies title, 1 preferred ethnic study title and 1 modern Paganism title. These titles can be selected from the recommended reading list in the Dedicant Program manual or the ADF web site, or chosen by the student, with prior approval of the Preceptor. (Suggested 325 word min. each)

4. A brief description, with photos if possible, of the Dedicant's home shrine and plans for future improvements. (Suggested 150 words min.)

5. An essay focusing on the Dedicants understanding of the meaning of the "Two Powers" meditation or other form of 'grounding and centering', as used in meditation and ritual. This account should include impressions and insights that the Dedicant gained from practical experience. (Suggested 300 word min)

6. An essay or journal covering the Dedicant's personal experience of building mental discipline, through the use of meditation, trance, or other systematic techniques on a regular basis. The experiences in the essay or journal should cover at least a five months period. (Suggested 800 words min.)

7. 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. (Suggested 500 word min)

8. A brief account of each High Day ritual attended or performed by the Dedicant in a twelve month period. High Days attended/performed might be celebrated with a local grove, privately, or with another Neopagan group. At least 4 of the rituals attended/performed during the training period must be ADF-style. (Suggested 100 words min. each) 

9. ONE essay describing the Dedicants understanding of and relationship to EACH of the Three Kindred: the Spirits of Nature, the Ancestors and the Gods. (Suggested 300 words min. for each Kindred and 1000 words total)

10. A brief account of the efforts of the Dedicant to develop and explore a personal (or Grove-centered) spiritual practice, drawn from a specific culture or combination of cultures.

11. The text of the Dedicant's Oath Rite and a self-evaluation of the Dedicant's performance of the rite. (Suggested 500 word min.)

After approval of my own DP, I received an email from the preceptor. My response hopefully will clear some items up for everyone.

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Updated on 10/15/2008. Site Credits / Email Me!
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