My search for structured learning has continued.

So, my time with Ar nDraiocht Fein didn't really work out. There was far too much in their program that I couldn't do, for various reasons, and too many things theologically that I didn't agree with. It serves me right for not properly looking at the program before I signed up. Oh well, a lesson learned.

So, obviously after that I was a bit disillusioned with programs for seekers. But I was still at that point of things, I really want to learn more and am having difficulty doing so. I need that structure at this point on my path.

I came across a new Pagan order called the Order of the Verdant Path. It's free, which was a selling point. But it's also the sort of thing that isn't just... isn't just a list of things you have to complete, a program that comes by mail that you can go through and do and then send in. You decide what you want to study, and you and your mentor develop the program for you.

It took me a while to decide to give it a try, so I emailed R.E. (one of the founders of the Order) and let her know I was interested. After some questions and answers, she told me to think it over. There followed some weeks of meditation and consideration, in which I decided what I wanted to do and why. Obviously, since I'm bothering to write this, I did decide to take on the program.

I've just finished the first month of my Aspirancy, the time of preparation in which one develops one's dedicancy curriculum and decide whether one wants to go forward with the OVP and the year of Dedicancy.

Aspirancy lasts three to six months, followed by a year as a Dedicant, then a year as an Acolyte, and finally a year as a Priest/ess. There are other roles after that: more years of study as a teacher and mentor. However, since they only founded the Order recently, and seeing as they believe in practicing what they preach (so to speak), the founders - R.E. and Bjorn - are not too far along in their own studies. Further than me, of course.

It's interesting to be a part of something so near to its beginnings. I really hope it will develop into something wonderful.

I thought I'd mention it, anyway. It's interesting and exciting starting something new like this. The OVP isn't for everyone, and it isn't right for everyone at every point on their path. A year ago I'm not sure I would have been happy with the idea. But it's an important thing for me now. And I think someone else might be on the same point on their path, so I'm putting it out there. Check it out.