Roots
Missives from the Redbud Grove #1
As the wheel of the year turns, I'm entering a new era of myself: an era of Druid magic, of learning to set down roots, of finding my sacred wild in quiet moments of boring weeks of routine - something anathema to my life for many years. I want to share this journey for those for whom it might resonate, and so I'll be sharing these missives for community members like you who are the biggest supporters of what I do. Thank you for being here.
On July's full moon in Capricorn, my husband joined me in a ritual of dedication for our very own Druid grove. And that evening, as the sun set and the fireflies danced, I self-initiated into the Order of Bards, Ovates, and Druids.
The story of this grove is the most Druidic story I've lived so far.
At Litha, I joined my High Priestess (HPS) and several of our covenmates to do our Green Man rites of passage at my HPS' covenstead, Spiral Sojourn Sanctuary. We are a Faery Tradition coven I lovingly caveat as eclectic Faery because we aren’t so strict on some of the deity requirements in other Faery covens.
We 'croned' our coven, meaning retired it, back in 2022, the same year I was elevated into our tradition's second and final degree. Someday I'll share more on degrees and initiations, we are a tradition of witchcraft going back over 50 years, but for now, it's important to know that Spiral Sojourn is now a nature preserve in York, PA, but the old gang gets together for Sabbats still when we can.
Being a nature preserve, many a sapling is planted each year. In their planting this year, 3 redbuds were overlooked: there were no spots left on the land for them to healthily flourish.
As I type this I realize how on brand this is for me: it is one of my most prized gifts, my proudest lights I offer the world, that I help those who feel they've been overlooked, feel seen. It is no wonder Goddess and land led these little saplings to me.
So, after a complete moon cycle on the property, drinking in the waters of the creek, basking in the sunlight, and participating in our Summer Solstice magic, I was gifted them to plant my own grove at my own covenstead.
At Spiral Sojourn Sanctuary, on the day I recieved these beautiful saplings, we made Litha flower essences, having the solstice sun bake its goodness into the water. After we had each collected the water for ourselves, we poured the rest out onto these saplings. I drove with them in my cupholders all the way home, telling them how big they'll grow and how this will be their final journey before they can set their roots in their new homes.
Where is home? If you only know me from Instagram, you've probably wondered several times where I'm actually at. I keep my physical location vague on the public facing internet, but between friends I'll tell you the truth.
After five years of living in Greece full time, my husband and I decided to make the US our homebase. I'll still spend many months a year in Greece, but for many reasons I'll share at other times, Greece isn't a place where we can fully flourish. The community is few and far between, and you'll probably know that witchcraft is illegal in Greece from my videos and articles.
I've been called to start my own coven and put down my roots somewhere safe. Maryland, particularly Havre de Grace, is that place. It called me here for years, and divine timing saw to it that we closed on our house the exact day my Saturn return began its transit home. It was truly fated.
Back to the redbuds.
I brought them home, and my husband, Brooks, in all his wisdom, planted them with me that night. Later that week he added mulch, and diligently waters them every morning while I drum, sing, chant, and light incense with them. I placed my land spirits altar in the corner, and was called to add a little hedgehog. We have them in Greece, so I think my guides have plans for hedgehogs and me. Stay tuned. He feels like a wee guardian of the grove.
The Bardic Grade ritual was simple. Short. I'm learning that Druidry is quite to the point, and the rituals so far simply create space for you to be alone and quiet with nature. They're very concerned with peace, a concept that feels distant in our world and empty at times. Beautiful notion, but practical? I hope so.
I will say, if there is a place peace exists, its sitting with my drum, lighting a beeswax candle, and watching my tiny little saplings soak in their waters of life.
As I continue my meditations in this redbud grove, I'll dive deeper into the ancestral traumas this grove is healing. The generations of refugees I am descended from finally finding root. I'll share my reflections on seeking roots in this time of turmoil for America. I'll share more on why HdG called me home - Mama Susquehanna, I am here for you. And in addition to my personal journey with Druidiry, I’ll aslo share the reflections on stepping into my leadership as a High Priestess of a coven.
There is so much just beginning to bud alongside these saplings. Thank you for watering the grove of this Substack with your presence.
Until then, as the Druids say, peace to you.
Brightest Blessings,
Elyse
