2nd Annual Golden Oak Awards

(The “Oakie” Awards)

It looks like this year's Golden Oak Awards will occur.  There may be separate categories for Novel and Short Story this year. .

Submissions for consideration are through the individual Druid Orders involved with the awards, The Henge of Keltria (HoK), Ar nDraiocht Fein (ADF), the Reformed Druids of North America (RDNA), Order of the White Oak (OWO), the Order of the Mithril Star (OMS), and the Missionary Order of the Celtic Cross (MOCC).

The categories include:

*The most interesting grove project.
*The most inspiring activist project.
*The greatest hardship overcome by a member. (Publicly admissible.)
*The best poem released.
*The best art project. (Include photo.) Examples include: painting, drawing, sculpture, digital art, clay, collage, photography, etc.
*The best craft project. Examples include: leatherwork, metalwork, clothing, needlepoint, moulding, weaving, jewelry, basketry, woodwork, stonework, etc.
*The best (nonfiction) book.
*The best novel
*The best short story.
*Best "Druidical" essay or article.
*Best movie or video-clip or instructional video that advances the positive perception of Druidism.

All projects to be considered in the 2nd annual awards must have started or completed in 2009, Other entries must have been released or published in 2009.

Upcoming Books

I received the latest Inner Traditions/Bear & Company catalog. Nothing directed specifically to Druids or Celtophiles, however, there were a few offerings that were of interest to me.

The Temple of High Magic: Hermetic Initiations in the Western Mystery Tradition which proclaims to be a practical guide to pathwork and other esoteric techniques from the ancient mystery schools predating Christianity. It is to be released in February 2010 and may be of interest to those on the Druid Path.

Also of interest is Shamanic Breathwork: Journeying beyond the Limits of Self which promises to help you utilize the healing power of breath to change consciousness. It includes a 60-minute CD of chakra-attuned rhythms to play during the journey. Could be good and certainly has the potential to assist in technique. To be released in December 2009.

Finally, The Return of the Dead: Ghosts, Ancestors, and the Tranparent Veil of the Pagan Mind interests me a lot. It promises to demonstrate how Medieval Christanity transformed the more corporeal ghost encountered in pagan cultures with the disembodied forms known today. Certainly I understand how the returning dead were once viewed as troublemakers, but I'll be interested in seeing how they were viewed as guarantors of the social order. To be released in September 2009.

Pagan Moonbeams

Those of you that have children and want to teach them good, positive path neopaganism, check out Pagan Moonbeams.  They are trying to plant the seeds of growth and enlightenment to our children and are doing a great job.
It is a free monthly educational resource provided by dedicated volunteers! Check them out, I'm sure they would appreciate any help or donation you can help them with.
 
The November issue includes an interview with me. Worth every cent!

- Tony

Druid's Fire and Morrigan's Kiss

Finian's Pub looks like a fun place to go in Jackson, MS. An article in the Jackson Free Press indicated they were hosting as Samhain ("sow-in") event. It would feature music from the Bailey Brothers and a costume contest with cash prizes. What really interested me were the Drink specials all night--Druid's Fire, Morrigan's Kiss and Blood Beer. I wonder if I can get their recipies... Certainly, the idea of "Morrigan's Kiss" scares me. Definately a place on my list to try when I'm near Jackson.

According to Valerie Alexander, the assistant GM at Fenian's, the bartenders at Finian's came up with the drinks!

Ever illustrious bartender Toni Jones put her mixologist’s mind to work for Morrigan’s Kiss.

½ oz Jameson Irish Whiskey,
½ oz Pama Liquor,
½ oz Peach Schnapps, and
½ oz Cranberry Juice.

Shake & strain.


Joseph Stianche, with his fun & crazy antics came up with the Druid’s Fire.

½ oz Jose Cuervo Tequila,
½ oz Bacardi 151 Rum,
½ oz Blue Curacao, and
½ oz Orange Juice

Shake & strain.
Sink a splash of Rose’s Grenadine into the bottom of the glass.

Matthew Rhys a Druid

Matthew Rhys, well knows as the character Kevin Walker in the TV show "Brothers and Sisters," has been accepted into the Welsh Gorsedd.


BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | Hollywood star Rhys joins druids

Hollywood star Matthew Rhys may be used to wardrobe changes, but his latest costume is particularly striking.

Dressed head to foot in a flowing white gown, he became a member of the Gorsedd of Bards at Wales' leading cultural festival, the National Eisteddfod.

Also see: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/7550168.stm