"That which is called the Christian Religion existed among the Ancients, and never did not exist, from the beginning of the Human Race until Christ came in the flesh, at which time true religion, which already existed began to be called Christianity” St Augustine
Welcome to the homepage of the Trinity Grove, a worldwide Celtic spirituality group working in the Christian Druid tradition of Britain and Ireland
Alban Elfed ceremony in Ohio - Alistair and Claudia
Rooted in the authentic Celtic Christian tradition as well as the traditions of cultural and fraternal Druidism, the group is now mainly virtual with ongoing discussions through a yahoo group and a new correspondence course. We have members in Switzerland, Scotland, Slovenia, the Netherlands, Texas, Arizona and Ohio who have received initiations from Bishop Alistair Bate, the Chief Druid of the Grove. Rituals are held at Solstices and equinoxes and usually the Cross Quarter days too - and draw on the Druidic traditions of Iolo Morganwg (founder of the Gorsedd of Bards of the Isle of Britain), the Ancient Order of Druids, the Universal Bond, the original (ie. non-pagan) rituals of the Order of Bards Ovates and Druids and other more innovative and recent Celtic Christian sources. Unlike many modern Druid Orders Trinity Grove is self-consciously Christian and all of its seasonal celebrations are entirely compatible with a broad interpretation of orthodox Christianity.
The Grove offers its own distinctive initiations to the grades of Bard, Ovate and Druid, drawing inspiration particularly from the fraternal and cultural Druid traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries . There is also a reliance on the techniques and practices of Celtic Shamanism throughout the grades as Alistair has received training in this field from renowned Celtic scholars John and Caitlin Matthews. Within Trinity Grove shamanism is considered as a set of techniques compatible with any religion or none. The Order is a mystery school under the spiritual patronage of Iolo Morganwg, Chief Nuinn, St Brigid of Kildare and St Tugdual of St Dolay.d.
The Grove offers its own distinctive initiations to the grades of Bard, Ovate and Druid, drawing inspiration particularly from the fraternal and cultural Druid traditions of the 18th and 19th centuries . There is also a reliance on the techniques and practices of Celtic Shamanism throughout the grades as Alistair has received training in this field from renowned Celtic scholars John and Caitlin Matthews. Within Trinity Grove shamanism is considered as a set of techniques compatible with any religion or none. The Order is a mystery school under the spiritual patronage of Iolo Morganwg, Chief Nuinn, St Brigid of Kildare and St Tugdual of St Dolay.d.
Additional Services
A hand-fasting on Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
Alistair regularly teaches courses and takes students one-to-one for individual tuition in Christian Druidry and Ogham Healing. Please see the courses page for details. He is also available to conduct Rites of Passage, and for spiritual direction and healing. Healing is given either sacramentally or using Ogham Healing or shamanic techniques.
Membership
Alban Elfed in Ohio, 2011
We are interested in suitable membership applications from people able to travel to meetings with one of our local groups in various parts of Europe and the USA or who wish to take our correspondence course and connect with us through our Trinity Grove yahoo group. Thanks for stopping by and haste ye back!
Druidic Cross at the Celtic Orthodox Monastery, St Dolay
We bless you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Sacred Spirit, the One and the Three. May God give you to drink from his cup, the sun shine bright upon you, may the night call down peace and when you come into his household may the door be open wide for you to go in to your joy! Awen!
