Chiltern Nemeton Grove
The Oaken Heart Training Programmes
The Oaken Heart Teaching programmes are free and you become initiated by the Grove community after being in the role for example as a Bard for a year in sharing your journey in music, poetry and storyteling. The Oaken Heart Way draws on a synthesis of many inspirations such as Neo-Pagan Druidry and Celtic Shamanism. The Teachings are a mix of talks, meditation, Shamanic and Ritual practices.
The Oaken Heart 1. Foundation Teachings
This is a four day lesson programme that gives you a foundation in the Grove's ritual form and also gives you the tools to develop your own spiritual pathway as an Oaken Heart Practitioner within Druidry.
Oaken Heart Foundation starts with a talk on the Oaken Heart Way, followed by a Meditation, a shared lunch, spirit journey and ritual of gratitude to close. All our Foundation training is free and people give back in sharing their experiences, help others with lifts and sharing food and drink. This is usually starts from 11 and finishes at 5pm.
The Oaken Heart 2.
Hearth of Chiltona
The Hearth of Chiltona programme deepens your spiritual commitment to the Spirit of place. More details to follow. This role deepens the relationship with the Spirit of place, within the Chiltern Nemeton we call her Chiltona. In this training you learn the role of deep listening to the spirit of place before ceremony and giving an Altar blessing during ceremony, honouring the spirits in the moment.
The Oaken Heart 3.
Training as a Bard, Vate and Artisan of the Sacred.
The way to become a Bard, Vate (Seer) or Artisan is to live it, sharing your exploration with the community in ceremony over a year, by that time you become a Bard, Vate or Artisan. During this period you have a Soul-friend in that Art whom will give you support and advice to enable you to explore that Art within the context of the Oaken Heart Ceremonial form.
The Oaken Heart 4.
Training as a Soul-friend and Druid Pathways
Once you have been initiated as an Oaken Heart Practitioner and have been empowered by the Grove as both a Bard and a Vate you may choose to become a Druid whom in the Oaken Heart pathway is a Ceremonial facilitating Leader, Celebrant, Chaplain, Interfaith Ambassador and Sou-friend/Spiritual Mentor.
The Oaken Heart 4.
Other Teachings and Talks
Paul has given many talks to local groups too conferences on his role as a Druid in service, from House blessings, Weddings and Hand-fasts, Naming Ceremonies, Hospital Chaplaincy visits , Funeral rites.
Paul gives talks on Druidry in the experience as a Druid-priest of a Grove community and the challenges and gifts of being in this role for people. To the formation of the Oaken Heart Way, that is a pathway that arose within his Grove community.