The First Oath (first draft)

Note: Blogspot went a little senile in the last week or so and coughed up old posts I'd deleted and refused to post this one after I'd scheduled it for a delayed post. Alas. Apologies for any confusion :)

My interpretation of the First Oath.

The first oath is meant to be  a pact between the oathtaker and his/her deities/spirits/interested kindred. It is not to tie the oathtaker to the ADF or any one human being but rather serve as a notice and a bond of intent and purpose.

Th oath is a pledge to take up the three cores of ADF/Druid work:

1. Virtue
2. Piety
3. Study

Our Druidry offers an example of the First Oath (page 16), however, it is worded to be presented in front of a group. I don't have a local grove though there are rumblings of a study group/proto-grove being formed in the area (yay!) therefore I am, for the time being, solitary. To that end I've written my own Oath using that provided in Our Druidry as a template or guide, and recite it aloud in my own time in a natural space.

My Oath

I, [name], declare myself to be a Pagan. I follow the Elder Gods.

I vow to seek virtue in my life. To do right by those bonded to me, and those I am bonded to, to serve my community both Pagan and secular.

I vow to set my foot upon the path, the Druid's Way, and I vow to make my dedication plain. To keep my rites and works as best I may.

I vow to study and learn, to deepen my knowledge and bond with the Druid Path and the ways of the Elder Gods. 

These things I swear before and to the Kindred.

I have yet to take the Oath and will certainly report what if any effect I feel or observe, though frankly I don't expect any. It would be nice if the Kindred threw a sign at me or I drew a favorable omen but I think these first steps are meant to be filled with ambiguity and questioning, the day I am completely certain is the day I must wonder and question that much harder.