Leader Bios: Epona/Carlynne Deaver - ADF Neopagan Druidism

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Photo of Carlynne Deaver [7k]

Who Am I?

I am a Taurus, born 5/12/63 and also a mother of two boys (1992, 1994) and one girl (2000). After more than 20 years away from school, I recently returned via distance education and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in Natural Resources from Oregon State University. My interests are widely varied outside of ADF, but include natural history/science, horses, dogs, birds and other animals, movies, science fiction/fantasy novels, Celtic and European history, video gaming and learning new things. I am also the leader of the local Spiral Scouts International Circle here in White Lake, MI. In the past, I have worked as a veterinary nurse, a horse trainer and riding instructor, a receptionist for a major league baseball team, an Executive Assistant and an Ad Development Manager for the local office of a major online City Guide and Business Directory. I am now a full time mom, homeschooling my children, teaching at homeschool group classes, and working on some home based projects including writing, jewelry design, bead craft, and tarot readings over the Internet. I am always interested in meeting new people and learning new things, so drop me a note sometime!

Why I am involved in ADF

I joined ADF in 1997 after several months of hanging out on the electronic mailing lists and getting a feel for what the organization was about. I was a solitary, by geography, more than anything else and have long felt the Druid calling within me. The depth and commitment required by ADF "fit" with me. It allows room for a deep spirituality, while staying true to scholarship and our ancestors. Even as a child, growing up, I had a connection to nature and the Earth - her trees and rocks and plants and especially with animals. I think that in some ways, I've always been a druid; I just didn't know it. I've been reading tarot since 1978 and have done so professionally. I believe in ADF's goals for a study program to educate and train today's Druids and other interested people. I feel that it is especially important in today's conservative society to educate people about modern druids and our belief system – something that ADF can accomplish through open ritual and the many workshops given by our leaders.

What I do in ADF

At Wellspring 2002 I swore an oath as a Dedicant ADF Priestess and am committed to serving my community in any way that I am able. I am currently the Upper Midwest Regional Druid that represents the interests of this region to the Mother Grove of ADF, the secretary of the Clergy Council, the Coordinator for the Children's Education and Parenting SIG, the Chief and Preceptor of the Naturalist's Guild and the Scribe and Pursewarden for the Magician's Guild at the National Level of ADF. I am also a member of the Seer's Guild, the Liturgist's Guild and the Clergy Council. Previously in ADF, I have held the positions of Scribe/Secretary, the Pacific (and later split into the smaller Northwest) Regional Druid and have also been the Senior Druid for Cascade Dragonsong Grove located in the Seattle area and also the Senior Druid and one of three founders of Triskele River Grove located in SW Ohio, serving Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. I'm always happy to answer any questions and if I can't answer them, I'll find someone that can.

My personal vision for ADF's future

I'd like to see ADF continue to grow while not losing sight of its current members and their needs. I think that there are a lot of members and potential members that are either new to Druidry, new to paganism in general and/or are isolated from Groves, whose needs in ADF aren't being fully met at this time. I'd like to see that change and think that that need has been recognized and is currently being worked on. I think that the ADF Dedicant Program, Generalist Study Program and the Guild Study Programs are different from any other educational programs being offered by pagan organizations as far as quality and content. I believe that getting the children's education program up and running will benefit not only our members, but other pagan children as well and am committed to working with others in ADF to see that vision grow. I think that ADF's policy of open rituals and public participation is a benefit to everyone involved in paganism as others see that we have nothing to hide that would be harmful to anyone or anything. Better education and a spread of information will help with our acceptance into mainstream society as a viable and non-threatening religion.

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