Yesterday was a day of new beginnings. It was the New Moon, the day after the Spring Equinox, and the day I began my journey as a Druid officially.
To solidify my intention to study and become a Druid, I did my Candidate’s Initiation Ceremony into AODA (Ancient Order of Druids in America), as well as the order-wide Sky Blessing Ceremony in my Grove on my lands here in Michigan.
I was slightly apprehensive but not really nervous about doing the initiation. While AODA is non-denominational and works with whatever deities (or not) that you personally have, I have been drawn to Gaia and Mother Earth as personal deities. This initiation was a big step towards moving away from my religious affiliations of the past that I found problematic.
As I started the ceremony and asked Gaia if my intentions towards being a Druid were ok, I clearly heard ‘YES YES YES’. And so I proceeded with the rest of the ceremony.
When I asked Gaia for guidance during the ceremony, and I received a beautiful message about protecting the lands and all the Beings here, learning about them, and that She would always protect me and be there for me no matter what I did.
As I tied my candidate’s belt around my waist, a flock of ravens flew right overhead. I felt peace and love. I was overwhelmed with a feeling of acceptance and belonging.
This was the most positive spiritual experience I have had since my wedding 25 years ago.