About
**The Eightfold Wheel of the Year** is a comprehensive self-paced program designed for individuals seeking a deeper connection with nature through the wisdom of the Druid path. This course delves into the eight major festivals that mark the turning points of the natural year, offering a blend of historical insights, spiritual practices, and practical activities to align with the rhythms of the Earth. This course is not a structured guide to specific rituals or myths but an invitation to explore the eight seasonal festivals and find your own unique path to harmonize with the earth’s rhythms. Through a series of lessons, personal reflections, and guided observations, you’ll learn to engage with these seasonal shifts in a way that is personally meaningful and deeply connecting **Origins and Influence of the Eightfold Wheel** The Eightfold Wheel, is foundational to contemporary pagan and druidic traditions, it was first widely introduced by Gerald Gardner. His experiences in Asia, where he developed a profound respect for Eastern spiritual traditions, may have influenced the Wheel's similarity to the Buddhist Dharma Wheel. This gives the Eightfold Wheel a unique historical value, bridging symbols from diverse traditions while honouring the natural cycles revered by the Celts. At the Order of Druids, we use the Eightfold Wheel as a framework to deepen our connection with nature’s rhythms. Each festival invites us to observe the land and engage with it, fostering mindfulness, balance, and well-being. While we acknowledge that the Wheel is a modern creation rather than an exact historical model, it remains a meaningful and accessible guide, encouraging each individual to celebrate the seasons in ways that resonate with them personally. **Individuals under 18 may only participate in this course if accompanied by an adult at all times. Participation by minors without adult supervision is strictly prohibited.**