2024 Workshops TBA
Theme: "Connections: Druidry and the Web of Life"
We've left in place the 2023 lineup so you can see what we did this year.
Theme: "Connections: Druidry and the Web of Life"
We've left in place the 2023 lineup so you can see what we did this year.
2023 Workshops, Talks, and Other Activities
“Druidry: Embracing the Light...and the Darkness”
At Play With the Awen
Because what we have is too important to take seriously
Salvatore Culotta
Let’s explore the idea that some of us never truly grow up, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing! In fact, playing can provide a valuable source of inspiration and insight into our relationship with the Awen. Join us as we dive into ways to incorporate play into our spiritual practices.
Salvatore is a Louisiana native, working as an electrical engineer in Baton Rouge. Raised in the Catholic faith, he once felt a call to serve in the priesthood but found his way through many years to druidry. What never changed was Salvatore's passion and commitment to following his truth then, and now as an Ovate member of Highland Oak Nemeton.
Because what we have is too important to take seriously
Salvatore Culotta
Let’s explore the idea that some of us never truly grow up, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing! In fact, playing can provide a valuable source of inspiration and insight into our relationship with the Awen. Join us as we dive into ways to incorporate play into our spiritual practices.
Salvatore is a Louisiana native, working as an electrical engineer in Baton Rouge. Raised in the Catholic faith, he once felt a call to serve in the priesthood but found his way through many years to druidry. What never changed was Salvatore's passion and commitment to following his truth then, and now as an Ovate member of Highland Oak Nemeton.
Guided Meditation
Kate Kane Laborde
Sitting in the woodlands of Tickfaw State Park, you will be guided through an in-depth meditation, exploring the connection with Earth, Water, Fire, and Air, the ancestors, and finding peace and harmony with oneself.
Kate is a native Louisianian who enjoys the company of all and sharing all the natural beauty her state has to offer. When not working as an accounting assistant, she enjoys music, going camping, and spending time with her immediate and grove families. She is an Ovate in the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.
Kate Kane Laborde
Sitting in the woodlands of Tickfaw State Park, you will be guided through an in-depth meditation, exploring the connection with Earth, Water, Fire, and Air, the ancestors, and finding peace and harmony with oneself.
Kate is a native Louisianian who enjoys the company of all and sharing all the natural beauty her state has to offer. When not working as an accounting assistant, she enjoys music, going camping, and spending time with her immediate and grove families. She is an Ovate in the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids.
The Bitter Winter: Surviving and Healing Appalachia
Ashley Rodriguez
Alban Arthan is known as the “Light of Arthur.” It is a celebration of the beginning of the sun’s return. That’s probably why we surround ourselves with light and laughter in celebration of it. I’ve learned there’s more to it than that, though...there are unclaimed gifts waiting in the shadows of the darkest days of the year (and of our lives). I’ll tell stories of how my ancestors evolved to survive the Bitter Winters of Southern West Virginia. You’ll learn about the strength they gained from this survival (and of the prices they paid along the way). Through it all, we will explore the concept of Shadow Work and how we can use it to find the light inside: the missing pieces of our spiritual selves.
Ashley is an Appalachian Bard (budding) storyteller and Spirit Healer and is a member of Highland Oak Nemeton.
Ashley Rodriguez
Alban Arthan is known as the “Light of Arthur.” It is a celebration of the beginning of the sun’s return. That’s probably why we surround ourselves with light and laughter in celebration of it. I’ve learned there’s more to it than that, though...there are unclaimed gifts waiting in the shadows of the darkest days of the year (and of our lives). I’ll tell stories of how my ancestors evolved to survive the Bitter Winters of Southern West Virginia. You’ll learn about the strength they gained from this survival (and of the prices they paid along the way). Through it all, we will explore the concept of Shadow Work and how we can use it to find the light inside: the missing pieces of our spiritual selves.
Ashley is an Appalachian Bard (budding) storyteller and Spirit Healer and is a member of Highland Oak Nemeton.
The Light of the Future: A Baby Blessing
Art Scarbrough
Babies represent the hope and promise of the future, and they carry within them the potential to bring positive change to the world. Their innocence and purity serve as a reminder of the beauty and goodness that still exists in the world, even in times of darkness. As a part of the Alban Eilir ritual, we have the honor at this gathering to bless and welcome the newest member of our grove, Beatrice Alia Thibodeaux, and revel in the rising of the light!
Art is a native Louisianian and Senior Druid of Highland Oak Nemeton.
Art Scarbrough
Babies represent the hope and promise of the future, and they carry within them the potential to bring positive change to the world. Their innocence and purity serve as a reminder of the beauty and goodness that still exists in the world, even in times of darkness. As a part of the Alban Eilir ritual, we have the honor at this gathering to bless and welcome the newest member of our grove, Beatrice Alia Thibodeaux, and revel in the rising of the light!
Art is a native Louisianian and Senior Druid of Highland Oak Nemeton.
The Roles of a Druid in a Dying World
Jacob Pewitt Yancey
We are living in a time of great transition. The world as we have known it is dying, and a new one is being being born. As practitioners of druidry, we are uniquely positioned to fill a number of vital roles in this process. In this participatory session, Jacob will use a story to frame a discussion of these roles and help you determine which you want to fill and how to do so.
Jacob is a member of the Ovate grade who lives in the mountain west of the United States. He has been a member of OBOD since around 2015.
Jacob Pewitt Yancey
We are living in a time of great transition. The world as we have known it is dying, and a new one is being being born. As practitioners of druidry, we are uniquely positioned to fill a number of vital roles in this process. In this participatory session, Jacob will use a story to frame a discussion of these roles and help you determine which you want to fill and how to do so.
Jacob is a member of the Ovate grade who lives in the mountain west of the United States. He has been a member of OBOD since around 2015.