I am bringing up the subject of our name, London Grove, because there is a contradiction that has been niggling away at me for a while. In this season when we’re looking at what to let go of, it seems a perfect time to look at how we are named.
Taken from Obod’s website…
What is the difference between a Seed-group and a Grove?
A Seed Group can be formed by any member at any point in their studies. Each group is different, but they are designed to be informal and relaxed – giving members the opportunity to meet and meditate together, and to discuss the course, their studies, and topics of mutual interest. Many groups celebrate the seasonal festivals together, and to attend a Seed-Group you do not necessarily need to be a member of the Order.
A Grove is a group which meets regularly and which is led by members who are in the Druid Grade. A fully functioning Grove will celebrate the eight festivals, give initiations, and will also hold Groves in each of the three grades.
According to this, we are most definitely not a Grove as we are not led by Druid Grade members, nor do we fulfil the functions quoted in the last sentence (a pity because I would have liked to have an Ovate initiation within the Grove!) I believe we should ask the OBOD office to call us a Seedgroup rather than a Grove. It may seem trivial at first glance, but we are not representing ourselves publicly as we really are – it feels slightly dishonest. To say we are a Grove may set up an expectation in people that we will be a fairly large group led by Druid graduates instead of a smaller, more informal group of people with varying levels of experience. If names have any power, there is a disconnect between the way we work and our name. I also feel that energetically the name is hanging onto the past era when we had at least one Druid running the Grove.
I intend to ask the office to change the name on the Groves and Seedgroups list to London Seedgroup. However, would there be any interest in a complete name change? I like the idea of Tamesis Seedgroup, for example. If there was interest in the idea of a new name we could volunteer more choices and vote. However, if I don’t get any feedback, on this I will just contact Damh and ask him to change it to London Seedgroup, and we can always change this later if we come up with a better name.
I completely agree with you on the discrepancy between our name and the way we function. So I think we should be a Seedgroup. And given last Sunday’s work and the ebb and flow, the coming and going, that seems to be an essential part of this group, I quite like the idea of changing the name completely, too.
Definitely worth a wider discussion. I’d say, make it a round of talking stick a Samhain, if there is time and Mark is willing.
Comment by hilde — 16/10/2005 @ 4:46 pm
Thanks Hilde. To me the idea feels like an extension of what we did last week and also links to the period leading up to Samhain. Another possible name idea could be The Raven Seedgroup (if that name is not already taken) or something else connecting to Bran. I’ve spoken to Mark the other day and suggested we may need to discuss some grove-related business at Samhain and he’s OK with that, I think. Daniel also has some ideas relating to future organisation. That may be a meeting in itself, but it’s certainly worth starting at this time of year.
Comment by Lorraine — 16/10/2005 @ 6:53 pm
The Raven Seedgroup was the first idea that popped into my head as well when I read this post earlier in the day. I agree that Samhain is a perfect time for this sort of discussion and look forward to hearing Daniel’s thoughts on future organisation.
Comment by Andrew — 16/10/2005 @ 9:19 pm
What I particularly liked about us being the ‘London’ whatever was that it stated clearly what we are. And given that most of you are actually from the ‘burbs and raven/bran stuff is city of London I am not sure that the name is appropriate. There is no other group within obod that I can clearly state “oh yes – that means they are from that place!” and I am not too thick when it comes to British mythology. Most importantly however, I don’t think now is the right time to be ditching London from our name. It is not a divorce I am ready to make.
Anna
Comment by anna — 26/10/2005 @ 9:26 am
Yes, there is that point about it being clear. And if there was a vote in favour of a name change I think I would have to ask for something underneath to make it obvious we meet in London, if there is space on the list. I do think we should at least change status to a seedgroup however, simply because it is accurate.
Comment by Lorraine — 26/10/2005 @ 9:51 am
It was agreed at our organisation meeting on 22/1/06 that London Tamesis Seedgroup would be the preferred name. More details on this and many other things are included in Daniel’s minutes, which have been emailed to all members.
Comment by Lorraine — 22/1/2006 @ 9:03 pm