I’m facing a bit of a dilemma. Upon browsing through the Dedicant Path supplemental handbook, I’ve found that the author included a ritual for the First Oath. It’s fairly lengthy (about three pages) and is very detailed. I don’t mind the fact that the author took the time to come up with this on his own (it’s not included in the official Dedicant Path handbook). However, I do mind that he’s suggesting I go outside and state my clear intentions right now. Almost like a “make or break” point for people who are new to the path.
The author is quotes as saying, “This is a binding oath, and when you make it, you are swearing to these deities that you will lead a virtuous, pious, studious life, and that you will worship them and honour them to the best of your ability.”
I thought I left Catholicism to get away from all this binding stuff!
I have no problem setting up a makeshift altar on my desk and penning a few paragraphs about my personal intentions, dedication, and goals. But to say that I either go big or go home is a bit of a stretch. Maybe not for others, but for me.
That’s not to say I’m not dedicated, however. I really do want to follow through with my interest in Paganism. Who knows… maybe I find out down the road that Druidry just isn’t for me. I don’t want to have to explain to spirits why I broke the oath I made five, ten, or thirty years ago; they won’t mind.
A virtuous, pious, and studious life… I’m fine with that. That’s why I’ve taken an interest in Zen. But I’m naturally agnostic. I have trouble bowing and worshiping deities and spirits. Buddhism showed me that a religion or belief can have a leader without him or her thinking that they have acquired the status of a God. Like Buddha said, he is not a God. Everything he has done, anyone can do. It doesn’t get much more accessible than that!
Hence, I’m at a crossroads. No, I won’t let this one little thing make me turn my back on Paganism because I feel like I can’t make an oath to deities. I want to. But how can I when I don’t worship the deities of neo-Paganism and neo-Druidry? Am I wrong to think this?
I’m asking for big ideas… hehe. And if you’ve made an oath and are comfortable with sharing, please do.
Thanks to all,
-Sarah
Best I advise I can think of in this moment is follow gut feelings & if it doesn’t feel right then don’t do it. I realize this may cut short your journey with ADF but better to find out early on that you also like myself feel at odds with religious dogma thats been coated with Druidry.
Blessed Be
BKB
True. I was hesitant to join ADF from the beginning. I don’t have a problem with weeding things out, but I also don’t like the “worship this, worship that” aspect.
However, John Michael Greer’s “The Druidry Handbook” has kept my flame alight. Not once does he mention worshiping deities. Only toward the end does he say that it’s the reader’s choice and that they should in no way be forced to believe in something they don’t wish to.
Thanks for your advice,
Sarah
I did make an oath but more for personal reasons. And it was about virtue, study, and learning not about worship. I am an agnostic pagan, if there can be such a thing, lol. I don’t do worship.
I have read JMG’s book and intend to study further there. At the same time, I do appreciate ADF’s contributions and continue to learn from that group. I’m not a joiner, per se, but I am a learner
and will follow whatever path will allow me to learn and grow. Even if that path parallels mine only for a short time. 
I’m pretty much following the agnostic path as well. I fought so hard to get away from Catholicism because of the oppressive “God” stuff that I just can’t see going back to deity worship. However, I do like relating the change of the seasons to the birth and death of nature. I like revering things that I can directly see.
I really like your idea, though, and might build upon that. Write some sort of oath not to someone/something else, but to myself.
Thanks for sharing!
sorry this is so late. I follow you on Tumblr.com, and i thought your posts would be there too. anyways, ADF is great, but i stumbled on that little wrinkle too. like you, deities and i dont really mix. however, there are quite a few things you can do to resolve it. OBOD is good for an “anything goes” kind of mentality, within reason of course. or, if youre hellbent on ADF, why not worship the earth? its not a diety in a common sense, but it could be concieved as one. part of the druid path, at least according to JMG, is to do your part to keep the earth clean and well, so youll be killing two birds with one stone. anxious to hear your reply.
We’re both late!
I completely understand what you’re saying. In my latest post (first since December) I wrote of how I let my membership in ADF lapse because we weren’t seeing eye-to-eye on things. I’m tight on funds so OBOD is a little out of range for right now… though that might change.
JMG’s book is basically the only one I’ve read which I can relate to, so I think I’m going to read it again and see where I stand.
Thank you for reminding me that I have a tumblr. I’m so behind with all this… I’ve lost the spiritual balance.
Thanks again for your comment,
Sarah